Titanium Dioxide Pigment Research Articles

Attitudes on, Practices, and Recommendations for Visible Light Protection Amongst Dermatology Practitioners.

Iron oxides, antioxidants, and pigmentary titanium dioxide are sunscreen additive ingredients that enhance visible light protection, reduce associated hyperpigmentation, and protect against certain photosensitive dermatoses There are currently no standardized recommendations for visible light protection with these additive ingredients, leading to varied clinical recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate dermatology practitioners' counseling practices for visible light protection. An electronic survey was distributed to dermatology practitioners. Survey responses were compiled for analysis, and statistical significance was calculated using a standard 95% confidence interval. 91.68% of 974 respondents actively counsel patients about visible light protection, primarily emphasizing its role in exacerbating pigmentation in patients with melanin-rich skin (70.92%). Of these, 10.34% recommended sunscreens with visible light protective additive ingredients specifically for patients with melanin-rich skin, and 48.89% recommended them for managing melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Iron oxide additive ingredients were most frequently recommended (90.92%), followed by antioxidants (69.08%) and pigmentary TiO2, (58.85%). 8.32% of respondents reported not counseling patients about visible light protection, with major reasons encompassing the lack of standardized guidelines (50.62%), challenges in recommending suitably tinted sunscreens (27.16%), limited availability of sunscreen options (23.46%), and insufficient supportive data (18.52%). There is a need for increased education and awareness regarding visible light protection strategies and the identification of patients who may benefit the most from a targeted photoprotective strategy. Establishing standardized guidelines and broadening the availability of sunscreen options conferring visible light protection may help address these gaps. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(11):965-971. doi:10.36849/JDD.8159.

The changing technology trends in processing titaniferous magnetite

ABSTRACT Titaniferous magnetite deposits are a significant source of vanadium for use in high-strength steel alloying and other chemical applications as well as producing titanium slag for the chloride production of titanium pigment. Ore beneficiation is practised to generate an iron-based mineral concentrate containing much of the vanadium with low combined silica and alumina levels of less than 4%. If higher than 4% increased sodium salt is used in roasting lower vanadium recovery is achieved. Typical processing problems encountered are fine liberation size, potential over-grinding of the magnetite, and variable response to magnetic separation as a result of the weathering profile. Magnetic separation is the standard route to produce iron vanadium concentrates. Salt roasting to extract vanadium followed by water leaching has been the standard processing route for many years and this locks up the remaining titanium in a glass phase. The cost of suitable sodium salts, availability of capital and increasing energy costs and energy availability are critical factors in determining the viability of aspiring vanadium producers. In this paper, factors influencing the recovery of vanadium are reviewed and emerging processing trends are explored. The growing demand for vanadium electrolytes in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) now adds another value-added product, which can assist vanadium project economics.

Case Series: Hepatic and Splenic Titanium Dioxide Deposition in Association With Intravenous Drug Use.

Titanium dioxide is a versatile compound that is found in a variety of consumer products, medical hardware, and pharmaceuticals. Although oral and topical ingestion of this compound is common, intravenous introduction is much less common. We present three cases where significant titanium dioxide deposits were identified in liver and splenic tissue of three decedents, all of whom died of illicit drug overdose in the same geographic area and had fentanyl and its metabolites in blood on postmortem toxicologic testing. At autopsy, liver sections had a granular texture with fine white stippling grossly, and histologic examination of hepatic and splenic tissues showed scattered patches of black granular material with pink birefringence. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy performed on these tissues revealed the presences of clusters of titanium dioxide. Immunohistochemical staining of both the liver and spleen with CD68 confirmed the titanium dioxide clusters were within macrophages. Intravenous titanium dioxide nanoparticle elimination studies in rats suggest a time sensitive period for this elimination, with a transient period of pigment deposition between 1-58 days following injection. If a time-dependent link between titanium dioxide pigment deposition within tissues and intravenous drug use can be shown, this could be a valuable tool for Pathologists.

Comparative electron microscopy particle sizing of TiO2 pigments: sample preparation and measurement.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment is a non-toxic, particulate material in widespread use and found in everyone's daily life. The particle size of the anatase or rutile crystals are optimised to produce a pigment that provides the best possible whiteness and opacity. The average particle size is intentionally much larger than the 100 nm boundary of the EU nanomaterial definition, but the TiO2 pigment manufacturing processes results in a finite nanoscale content fraction. This optically inefficient nanoscale fraction needs to be quantified in line with EU regulations. In this paper, we describe the measurement procedures used for product quality assurance by three TiO2 manufacturing companies and present number-based primary particle size distributions (PSDs) obtained in a round-robin study performed on five anatase pigments fabricated by means of sulfate processes in different plants and commonly used worldwide in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. The PSDs measured by the three titanium dioxide manufacturers based on electron micrographs are in excellent agreement with one another but differ significantly from those published elsewhere. Importantly, in some cases, the PSDs result in a different regulatory classification for some of the samples tested. The electron microscopy results published here are supported by results from other complementary methods including surface area measurements. It is the intention of this publication to contribute to an ongoing discussion on size measurements of TiO2 pigments and other particulate materials and advance the development of widely acceptable, precise, and reproducible measurement protocols for measuring the number-based PSDs of particulate products in the size range of TiO2 pigments.

Fluorination of titanomagnetite concentrate with ammonium bifluoride

Objectives. To study the technological features of a new fluoride technology for the production of titanium dioxide by the decomposition of titanomagnetite concentrate with ammonium fluorides.Methods. The chemical species of the titanium and iron components in the fluorination of titanomagnetite concentrate and sublimation separation of components were determined by means of X-ray powder diffraction analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The kinetics of sublimation of the titanium component by the thermal decomposition of ammonium hexafluorotitanate was experimentally studied.Results. The products of the fluorination of titanomagnetite concentrate with ammonium bifluoride are compounds (NH4)2TiF6 and (NH4)3FeF6, as proven by chemical analysis and X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The subsequent sublimation separation of the titanium component produced the target product: a mixture of ammonium fluorotitanates. The desublimation of the titanium-containing fraction gave an NH4TiF5–(NH4)2TiF6–(NH4)3TiF7 mixture, the titanium content of which is 30.6% and the content of impurities (Fe, V, Si) is a minimum (0.45%). The activation energy of the heterogeneous reaction and the rate-limiting step of the process were also determined.Conclusions. A high-purity titanium product (a mixture of ammonium fluorotitanates) is obtained. This is a valuable commercial product for the industrial production of titanium dioxide pigment from titanomagnetite concentrate and ilmenite.

Enhanced titanium dioxide pigment weatherability

Enhanced titanium dioxide pigment weatherability

Focusing Coherent Light through Volume Scattering Phantoms via Wavefront Shaping.

Manipulating the wavefront of coherent light incident on scattering media to enhance the imaging depth, sensitivity, and resolution is a common technique in biomedical applications. Local phase variations cause changes in the interference and can be used to create a focus inside or behind a scattering medium. We use wavefront shaping (WFS) to force constructive interference at an arbitrary location. The amount of light transmitted into a given region strongly depends on the scattering and absorption characteristics. These are described by their respective coefficients μs and μa and the scattering phase function. Controlling the scattering and absorption coefficients, we study the behavior of wavefront shaping and the achievable intensity enhancement behind volume scattering media with well-defined optical properties. The phantoms designed in this publication are made of epoxy resin. Into these epoxy matrices, specific amounts of scattering and absorbing particles, such as titanium dioxide pigments and molecular dyes, are mixed. The mixture obtained is filled into 3D-printed frames of various thicknesses. After a precise fabrication procedure, an integrating sphere-based setup characterizes the phantoms experimentally. It detects the total hemispherical transmission and reflection. Further theoretical characterization is performed with a newly developed hybrid PN method. This method senses the flux of light into a particular angular range at the lower boundary of a slab. The calculations are performed without suffering from ringing and fulfill the exact boundary conditions there. A decoupled two-path detection system allows for fast optimization as well as sensitive detection. The measurements yield results that agree well with the theoretically expected behavior.

Comparative study of titanium dioxide to improve the quality of finished cosmetic products.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) pigments (pure) or with a hydrophobic coating of triethoxycaprylylsilane (TECSi) used in cosmetics. Using different methods, we studied properties of commercially available pure and coated pigment. We determined the elemental composition of pigments that differ in their behaviour in a cosmetic formulation. The significant differences in the coating composition were revealed. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy allowed us to investigate the pigment purity and determined the polymorph form in pigments. FTIR was employed to identify functional groups present in the samples with the modified surface. XRD, DLS, TEM and DCS were applied to characterize particle size and morphology. The experiment of ED-XRF method was used to determine the elemental composition of pigments that differ in their behaviour in a cosmetic formulation. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to detect organic pollutants in particular batches, which were not detected in the cases of the tested samples. Solid UV-Vis spectroscopy and XRD revealed which crystalline form of TiO2 is present in pigments. TEM and DLS methods were used to characterize particle size and morphology as well as DCS method, which provide more accurate information about form (separated or clustered particles) of pigments' particles in suspensions. Based on FTIR spectra, the presence of a coating in the raw material was identified, and the tell-tale signal of the silane group. On the contrary, spectroscopy of washed-out product can identify the well or poorly modified pigment. Applying ED-XRF, it turned out that the content of silicon (and consequently of the TECSi) was lower than that declared by the manufacturer. Our data indicate how we can recognize poorly coated pigments in raw material. The results show that ED-XRF method is nondestructive, effective and fast, hence, can be successfully introduced into preproduction pigment control in cosmetic industry.

Ti-Pure ™ TS-1510 grade for plastics applications introduced by Chemours

On January 26, 2023, Chemours, a global chemistry company, unveiled Ti-Pure™ TS-1510, a reportedly highly efficient rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment designed to enhance processing performance in plastics applications, including polyolefin masterbatch. The enhanced processing performance of this grade is claimed to unlock up to 6% lower net carbon footprint from the advanced pigment manufacturing process through masterbatch production when compared to traditional TiO2 pigments while improving profits. Ti-Pure™ TS-1510 is the latest pigment launch within the company's Ti-Pure™ Sustainability (TS) series, a new product family showcasing Chemours’ commitment to advancing societal, customer, and business segment sustainability goals.

A novel low‐energy approach to leucoxene concentrate desiliconization by ammonium bifluoride solutions

AbstractBACKGROUNDDespite the large reserves of titanium ores, their treatment by basic approaches to obtain titanium products is not always economically feasible due to various factors. One of these problems is the high content of silicon in the ores.RESULTSThe paper considers the desiliconization of a leucoxene concentrate with an aqueous solution of ammonium bifluoride. It was found that at 80 °C the main impurities, such as silicon and iron, pass into solution in the form of corresponding ammonium–fluorine complex compounds.CONCLUSIONSThe degree of desiliconization was up to 99%. Aluminium reacts with ammonium bifluoride, but is almost not leached into solution due to its low solubility. Titanium does not react due to its relatively higher reaction Gibbs energy among other metals in reaction with ammonium bifluoride. The content of titanium oxide in the calcined leaching residue was 85.52 wt%. The resulting residue corresponds to the raw material used in industry for the production of titanium dioxide pigment or titanium metal by the chlorine method. Iron and silicon can be precipitated from the leaching solution. Furthermore, the resulting filtrate can be evaporated in order to regenerate and reuse ammonium bifluoride. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Sunscreen Protection Against Visible Light: Is It Needed?

ABSTRACT Ultraviolet radiation and Visible light (VL) have biological effects on the skin. VL causes erythema in light-skinned individuals and pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects skin against ultraviolet radiation but does not adequately protect against VL. The purpose of this study was to analyze the biological effects of visible light (VL) and the choice of sunscreen that can protect it. The research method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method. The type of data used in this study is qualitative data, which is categorized into two types, namely primary data and secondary data.The protection provided by organic (mineral) and inorganic sunscreen filters can prevent skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation, but does not provide protection against VL. Only tinted sunscreens that use formulations of concentrated iron oxide and titanium dioxide can provide protection against VL. Various steps have been taken to provide photoprotection against VL. There are many sunscreens available that combine percentages level of iron oxide and titanium dioxide pigment to suit all skin types. This tinted sunscreen is beneficial for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and photodermatosis induced by VL. Keywords: Iron Oxide, Photoprotection, Tinted Sunscreen, Titanium Dioxide, Ultraviolet Light, Visible Light

The Mixing Character within Oxidation Reactor in Titanium Dioxide Production by Chloride Process

Chloride process is cost effective and environmental benefit, and the TiCl4 oxidation is the most important stage in this process. The structure of the jet ring has an obviously effect on the mixing of TiCl4 and O2 in the oxidation reactor, which is the key equipment in the production of titanium pigment. In this paper, the gas mixing condition with five jet rings of different structure was simulated and analyzed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The radial concentration distribution of TiCl4 and the non-uniformity of the mixture with different jet rings were obtained. The results showed the structure of the jet ring has great effect on the gas mixing. The mixing condition of the jet ring with combined opening orifice is better than that of the jet ring with uniform opening orifice， which is more effective in realizing fast and uniform mixing condition of TiCl4 and O2.

The Mixing Character within Oxidation Reactor in Titanium Dioxide Production by Chloride Process

Chloride process is cost effective and environmental benefit, and the TiCl4 oxidation is the most important stage in this process. The structure of the jet ring has an obviously effect on the mixing of TiCl4 and O2 in the oxidation reactor, which is the key equipment in the production of titanium pigment. In this paper, the gas mixing condition with five jet rings of different structure was simulated and analyzed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The radial concentration distribution of TiCl4 and the non-uniformity of the mixture with different jet rings were obtained. The results showed the structure of the jet ring has great effect on the gas mixing. The mixing condition of the jet ring with combined opening orifice is better than that of the jet ring with uniform opening orifice， which is more effective in realizing fast and uniform mixing condition of TiCl4 and O2.

Chronicles of A.I. Pospelov Moscow Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists (MSDC was founded on October 4, 1891). Bulletin of the MSDC № 1142

On March 16, 2021, the 1142nd meeting of the Moscow Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists named after A.I. Pospelov took place.
 Two people have been accepted as members of the MODV: the list of new members was approved unanimously.
 The agenda includes a discussion of two clinical cases. The interest in the first demonstration ― mushroom mycosis lies in the relative rarity of T-cell lymphomas in the skin clinic, as well as the effectiveness of PUVA therapy in the plaque stage of the disease. Another observation is a case of acquired epidermolysis bullosa, a rare sporadic autoimmune disease with increased skin injury, the formation of subepidermal blisters, the presence of antibodies against type 7 collagen, the prognosis for which is usually favorable and even with a possible spontaneous recovery.
 A number of scientific reports were made at the meeting. The first of them is on the problems of vulgar acne. The patient-oriented approach for vulgar acne implies individual, personalized treatment of the patient. Among the strategic directions in the development of therapeutic approaches to patients with vulgar acne, special attention, in addition to external remedies, systemic therapy, physiotherapy and cosmetic care, should be paid to the adherence of patients to treatment. Among the various technologies for determining the severity of vulgar acne, an interactive electronic DIA calculator developed at the Department of Skin Diseases of Sechenov University, combined with medicinal recommendations in accordance with a certain severity of the disease of a particular patient, deserves attention.
 The report on modern and classical methods of diagnosis of human and animal mycoses represents the most pressing issues of medical mycology in general and dermatomycology in particular due to their extreme prevalence. To date, all laboratory methods for the diagnosis of mycoses can be divided into classical and modern high-tech, while in most laboratories on the ground, almost only confocal microscopy has been introduced.
 The last report was devoted to dermatoses that developed at the site of tattoos and tattooing. Since the composition of the coloring pigment includes iron oxide, titanium dioxide, isopropyl alcohol, natural organic and inorganic pigments, dermatoses such as benign lymphoplasia (lymphocytoma), sarcoidosis, psoriasis, discoid lupus, vitiligo, vasculitis, lichen planus, annular granuloma, lipoid necrobiosis, melanoma may develop in places of skin damage, basal cell carcinoma, gangrenous pyoderma, mycosis, syphilis, tuberculosis. It is noted that the treatment of lymphocytoma and sarcoidosis is a difficult task.

Study on coated titanium dioxide pigment and its performance test

In this study, TiO2/Al2(SO4)3 and ZrO2 composite pigments were prepared with Al2(SO4)3 and ZrO2 as coating agents. Firstly, Al2(SO4)3 was added into titanium dioxide pigment, and then ball-milled and dispersed to make the surface of pigment positively charged, and then combined with ZrO2 in solution. Titanium dioxide pigment coated with Al2(SO4)3 and zirconium oxide was prepared by double titration. The reaction pH was adjusted by controlling the ammonia flow, and finally TiO2/Al2(SO4)3 and ZrO2 composite pigment was obtained. The structure of modified pigment was analyzed by SEM and particle size distribution analysis. Furthermore, the effects of Al2(SO4)3 and ZrO2 coating on the tinting strength, dispersibility and hiding power of titanium dioxide pigment in water were studied. The results show that scanning electron microscope and particle size analysis show that good Al2(SO4)3 and ZrO2 coatings can be obtained by this experimental method. In the pigment performance test, the tinting power, hiding power and dispersibility of TiO2/Al2(SO4)3 and ZrO2 composite pigment are better than those of uncoated titanium dioxide pigment.

Effect of pigments on bond strength between coloured concrete and steel reinforcement

The effect of pigments on mechanical properties of coloured concrete intended for structural applications, including the bond stress-slip behaviour to embedded steel bars, is not well understood. Series of concrete mixtures containing different types and oncentrations of iron oxide (red and grey colour), carbon black, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments are investigated in this study. Regardless of the colour, mixtures incorporating increased pigment additions exhibited higher compressive and splitting tensile strengths. This was attributed to the micro-filler effect that enhances the packing density of the cementitious matrix and leads to a denser microstructure. Also, the bond to steel bars increased with the pigment additions, revealing their beneficial role for improving the development of bond stresses in reinforced concrete members. The highest increase in bond strength was recorded for mixtures containing TiO2, which was ascribed to formation of nucleus sites that promote hydration reactions and strengthen the interfacial concrete-steel transition zone. The experimental data were compared to design bond strengths proposed by ACI 318-19, European Code EC2, and CEB-FIP Model Code.

Tinted Sunscreens: Consumer Preferences Based on Light, Medium, and Dark Skin Tones

Visible light (VL) has been shown to increase tyrosinase activity and induce immediate erythema in light-skinned individuals and long-lasting pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals. Tinted sunscreens (TSs) formulated with iron oxides (IOs) and/or pigmentary titanium dioxide (PTD) provide functional and cosmetic benefits and are a safe, effective, and convenient way to protect against both UV and high-energy VL. We conducted an analysis of over-the-counter TSs with the objective of investigating the factors that influence consumer preference when choosing TS depending on underlying skin tone. Descriptive data for each product were collected from an online supplier that provides reviewer information. The top 10 most helpful reviews were analyzed and coded by a consensus qualitative coding scheme, which included positive and negative descriptors in 5 major categories. Most products provided only one color shade, and tone incompatibility was the most commonly cited negative feature, with the vast majority of these comments being from consumers of dark skin tones. Top recommended products corresponded with increased shade options, indicating the dearth of shade diversity in products to be a potential area of improvement in tinted sunscreen options.

Titanium dioxide effect on bacteriolytic activity and intrinsic fluorescence of lysozyme

The effect of the white pigment titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the protein enzyme, the bacteriolytic component of the innate immune system, lysozyme, was evaluated. The effects of TiO2 in the form of nanoparticles, microparticles and particles used in the food industry at concentrations of 0.001-0.0001 mg/ml, corresponding to the calculated average daily intake and 10-fold dilution, were studied. It was found that a lower concentration of TiO2 (0.0001 mg/ml) of all particles types acts more efficiently, significantly reducing after 30 minutes, and completely blocking the own fluorescence of recombinant lysozyme after 60 minutes. TiO2 particles of three types at a higher concentration (0.001 mg/ml) completely block the intrinsic fluorescence of recombinant lysozyme after 60 minutes. After 30 minutes only microparticles cause a decrease in the intrinsic protein fluorescence. The inhibition of the bacteriolytic activity of recombinant lysozyme against the culture of K. pneumoniae under the action of nanoparticles, microparticles and particles of food TiO2 at concentrations of 0.001-0.0001 mg/ml was revealed.

Experimentally investigating hybrid polyurethane silica nanocomposites for DTM coating applications

ABSTRACT Direct to metal (DTM) coatings are in great demand today as it has proven to be a sustainable solution eliminating need for primer layers. DTM Coatings are monolayer coatings that fulfill the role of both primer and topcoat. In current research acrylic polyester-based hybrid polyurethane nanocomposite coating was formulated for DTM application. Concentrations of acrylic and polyester polyols along with titanium dioxide pigment were optimized using the Taguchi-based statistical model and then nano-silica was added in various loadings and tested for its properties concerning DTM application. Addition of nano-silica has been found to significantly contribute towards enhanced mechanical properties. Nano-silica dispersion in the coating matrix along with its morphology was ascertained using SEM study while structural characterization was done by FTIR. At 8% nano-silica loading, formulated coatings revealed better thermal stability, excellent weathering performance along with anti-corrosive properties and chemical resistance owing to the presence of hybrid polymer chains.

Placer Magnetite-sand and By-product Iron, Generated during the Beneficiation of Mineral Sand Ilmenite to High-Titanium Products, as Potential Alternatives to the High-Grade Fe-ore for Steel Making

Abstract Iron is the most important of all metals and ~ 98% of it, in the form of iron ore/pellets, is used as the key raw material in making steel, with its per-capita consumption often seen as an Index for a nation’s Prosperity. Salient aspects of the industries of iron ore mining and steel-production are presented. These include deposit-types and grades of iron-ore, iron ore minerals with Fe-contents, major producing-exporting-importing countries, international/national prices of iron ore; and major producing countries of steel, international/national production figures, processes of steel-making, including recent hydrogen-energy based green steel/iron ore under de-carbonisation. The less available high-grade Fe ore (> 63.5% Fe), as compared to that of the benchmark or standard grade (62% Fe) and low-grade (<59% Fe) iron ores, has many beneficial features in steel-making, carries a premium price of US $ 1-2/tonne for every 1% increase in Fe-grade over that of the standard grade and, hence, is much sought after. In this communication, two low-cost, potential alternatives to the high-grade Fe ore for steel-making are proposed from the mineral sand industry. These are: (i) placer magnetite-sand, with an example from the coastal Nizampatnam heavy mineral sand deposit in Andhra Pradesh, and (ii) by-product Fe, generated during the beneficiation of ilmenite-sand for high Ti-products such as synthetic rutile/anatase, titanium dioxide pigment, Ti-sponge, Ti-metal etc.A brief account of the mineral sand deposits, including the processes to obtain the above proposed alternatives and the consequent multiple benefits for both the steel and mineral sand industries, is presented in this paper.