The conventional surface treatment methods of titanium alloy include glow discharge plasma deposition, oxygen ion implantation, hydrogen peroxide treatment, thermal oxidation, sol-gel method, anodic oxidation, microarc oxidation, laser alloying, and pulsed laser deposition. These methods have different characteristics and are applied in different fields. Glow discharge plasma deposition can get a clean surface, and the thickness of the oxide film obtained is 2 nm to 150 nm [2–8]. The oxide film obtained from oxygen ion implantation is thicker, about several microns [9–14]. Hydrogen peroxide treatment of titanium alloy surface is a process of chemical dissolution and oxidation [15, 16]. The dense part of the oxide film is less than 5 nm [17–21]. The oxide film generated from the thermal oxidation method has a porous structure, and its thickness is commonly about 10-20 μm [22–25]. The oxide film from the sol-gel method is rich in Ti-OH, a composition that could induce apatite nucleation and improve the combining of implants and bone. It has a thickness of less than 10 μm [26–28]. Applied with the anodic oxidation method, the surface can generate a porous oxide film of 10 μm to 20 μm thickness [29–31]. Similarly, the oxide film generated from the microarc oxidation method is also porous and has a thickness of 10 μm to 20 μm [32, 33].
Overall, Chinese anatase titanium dioxide stands out as a versatile and valuable material with a wide range of applications in various industries. Its unique properties make it a popular choice for use in pigments, sunscreen, environmental remediation, and energy conversion technologies. As research into this material continues to expand, we can expect to see even more innovative uses and advancements in the field of materials science.
Titanium dioxide is a white food coloring agent often used in bakery decorations, soups, broths, sauces, spreads, creamers, candy, and chewing gum.
This work was supported by SECyT-UNC Consolidar tipo I [2018-2021] and FONCyT, Argentina [grant number 0821-2014]. MVV holded a EVC-CIN scholarship from SECyT UNC. AM, MFPP AND MFC hold CONICET, FONCyT and SECyT scholarships respectively, and MJS, AZ, VA, MFP and MCB are career members of CONICET.
Prof. Maged Younes, Chair of EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), wrote of the decision: “Taking into account all available scientific studies and data, the Panel concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive. A critical element in reaching this conclusion is that we could not exclude genotoxicity concerns after consumption of titanium dioxide particles. After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body.”
Although barium sulfate is almost completely inert, zinc sulfide degrades upon exposure to UV light, leading to darkening of the pigment. The severity of this UV reaction is dependent on a combination of two factors; how much zinc sulfide makes up the pigments formulation, and its total accumulated UV exposure. Depending on these factors the pigment itself can vary in shade over time, ranging from pure white all the way to grey or even black. To suppress this effect, a dopant may be used, such as a small amount of cobalt salts, which would be added to the formulation. This process creates cobalt-doped zinc sulfide. The cobalt salts help to stabilize zinc sulfide so it will not have as severe a reaction to UV exposure.