For a mini-review published in the journal Particle and Fibre Technology in 2021, scientists wanted to evaluate whether Ti02 particles contributed to the development and/or exacerbation of irritable bowel disease, and whether they altered the four elements of intestinal barrier function: the intestinal microbiota, the immune system, the mucus layer, and the epithelium. The breakdown of these four elements can contribute to autoimmune, neurological, inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic diseases. Following their review, the researchers concluded: “Data indicate that TiO2 is able to alter the four compartments of IBF and to induce a low-grade intestinal inflammation associated or not with pre-neoplastic lesions.”
For research published in 2022 study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, scientists examined “the genotoxicity and the intracellular reactive oxygen species induction by physiologically relevant concentrations of three different TiO2 nanomaterials in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 intestinal cells, while considering the potential influence of the digestion process in the NMs’ physiochemical characteristics.” They found a “DNA-damaging effect dependent on the nanomaterial,” along with the micronucleus assay suggesting “effects on chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk, in the HT29-MTX-E12 cells, for all the tested TiO2 nanomaterials.” Researchers concluded that the results showcase “evidence of concern” regarding titanium dioxide used as a food additive.
Having thus described the origin and uses of the pigment, we now come to the question, what is lithopone? It is, in short, a chemical compound usually consisting of 30.5 per cent zinc sulphide, 1.5 per cent zinc oxide and 68 per cent barium sulphate, but these proportions vary slightly in the different makes. Lithopone of this composition is sold as the highest grade, either as red seal or green seal, as it best suits the idea of the manufacturer. Many manufacturers, especially in Europe, sell and also export other brands under other seals, containing 24, 20, 18 and as little as 12 per cent of zinc sulphide with very small percentages of zinc oxide, the balance being usually barium sulphate, but sometimes certain portions of China clay or gypsum (calcium sulphate) or whiting (calcium carbonate). Such brands are not a chemical compound, but mechanical mixtures of the chemically compounded lithopone and the admixtures referred to.
. Its lower price point, coupled with its comparable performance, has made it a popular choice for many manufacturers looking to optimize their production costs without compromising on quality. Furthermore, its non-toxic nature and environmental friendliness have contributed to its increasing popularity, especially in eco-conscious markets.
TiO2 is also used in the production of plastics, where it serves as a whitening agent and UV stabilizer. By incorporating TiO2 into plastic products, manufacturers can enhance their appearance, increase their lifespan, and improve their resistance to sunlight and weathering. Additionally, TiO2 helps prevent the degradation of plastic materials, ensuring that they retain their properties and performance over time.
With the development of science and technology, various pigments have emerged. Inorganic pigments are facing serious challenges. Nanomaterials are a new class of materials with mesoscopic dimension developed at the end of the 20th century. They are now developing in a low-dimensional and complex direction. . In recent years, nano-Lide powder has been put into industrial production. The zinc sulphate solution is prepared in the same way as the traditional method. In the organic phase (such as benzene), the production cost is high, the wastewater is difficult to recycle, the organic solvent in the production process and the final immersion. Slag is likely to cause environmental pollution, and its development is severely limited.
With the development of science and technology, various pigments have emerged. Inorganic pigments are facing serious challenges. Nanomaterials are a new class of materials with mesoscopic dimension developed at the end of the 20th century. They are now developing in a low-dimensional and complex direction. . In recent years, nano-Lide powder has been put into industrial production. The zinc sulphate solution is prepared in the same way as the traditional method. In the organic phase (such as benzene), the production cost is high, the wastewater is difficult to recycle, the organic solvent in the production process and the final immersion. Slag is likely to cause environmental pollution, and its development is severely limited.