It is a white crystalline powder, which is a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate. The more zinc sulfide it contains, the stronger the hiding power and the higher the quality. The density of lithopone is 4.136~4.34/cm3 and it is insoluble in water. It easily decomposes when exposed to acid to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, but does not work when exposed to hydrogen sulfide and alkaline solutions.
These companies have been investing heavily in research and development to improve their product quality, reduce costs, and expand their market presence. They are also focusing on developing new applications for titanium dioxide, such as in the fields of energy storage and environmental protection, to tap into new growth opportunities. The first commercial production of TiO2 began in the early 20th century, using the sulfate process. This method involved reacting ilmenite ore with sulfuric acid to produce titanium sulfate, which was then calcined to obtain titanium dioxide. However, this process had several drawbacks, including high energy consumption, generation of large amounts of waste, and release of harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide. As a result, many factories transitioned to the chloride process, which offers higher purity TiO2 and reduced environmental impact.Another important application of titanium dioxide is in the production of sunscreen and other skincare products. Titanium dioxide is a key ingredient in many sunscreens due to its ability to reflect and scatter ultraviolet (UV) radiation, providing protection against harmful UV rays. Manufacturers of titanium dioxide for sunscreen products often use special coatings and surface treatments to enhance its UV-blocking properties.
As of August 7, the use of titanium dioxide in food is banned in the European Union. Europe is taking a precautionary principle approach based on findings from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).