Europe
Gravimetric analysis is a method of quantitative chemical analysis in which a substance is converted into a stable compound of known composition, and the mass of this compound is then measured. This technique offers a high level of precision and is particularly useful in determining the concentration of materials within complex mixtures. The gravimetric determination of titanium dioxide typically involves a series of well-defined steps, which include precipitation, filtration, washing, drying, and weighing.
In the meantime, the chemical factories of Continental Europe, principally in Germany, Austria and Belgium, had taken hold of the novelty and under the collective name of lithopone or lithophone, by numerous processes, produced various grades of the pigment, branding the respective qualities as red seal, green seal, yellow seal, blue seal, etc., or selling them under some fancy name. Of this we shall speak later on. The crusade against the use of white lead in the various countries of Continental Europe, assisted the manufacturers, to a very great extent, in marketing their products, not only to industrial concerns, as has been the case in this country, until recently, but to the general painting trade. Up to 1889 the imports into this country were comparatively small. At that time one of the largest concerns manufacturing oilcloth and linoleum in the State of New Jersey began to import and use Charlton white. Shortly after that other oilcloth manufacturers followed suit, replacing zinc white with lithopone in the making of white tablecloth, etc., and later on abandoning the use of white lead in floor cloth and linoleum. This gave an impetus to several chemical concerns, that erected plants and began to manufacture the pigment. Competition among the manufacturers and the activity of the importers induced other industries to experiment with lithopone, and the shade cloth makers, who formerly used white lead chiefly, are now among the largest consumers. Makers of India rubber goods, implement makers and paint manufacturers are also consumers of great quantities, and the demand is very much on the increase, as the nature of the pigment is becoming better understood and its defects brought under control. Large quantities find their way into floor paints, machinery paints, implement paints and enamel paints, while the flat wall paints that have of late come into such extensive use owe their existence to the use of lithopone in their makeup.
For that reason, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has graded titanium dioxide as a food additive that consumers should seek to “avoid.” Scientists at the nonprofit nutrition and food safety watchdog group today published a new entry for titanium dioxide in its Chemical Cuisine database of food additives.
Research has shown that, when ingested as a food additive, titanium dioxide and its nanoparticles can impact, alter, and/or damage important protective bacteria in the gut, along with the metabolic pathways of gut bacteria.
The main food categories contributing to dietary exposure of E171 are fine bakery wares, soups, broths and sauces (for infants, toddlers and adolescents); and soups, broths, sauces, salads and savoury based sandwich spreads (for children, adults and the elderly). Processed nuts are also a main contributing food category for adults and the elderly.
In addition to providing the raw material, many suppliers also offer technical support to help customers optimize their use of anatase B101 titanium dioxide. This includes guidance on integration into existing processes, performance testing, and compliance with environmental regulations. Their commitment to customer service ensures that clients can fully leverage the potential of this versatile compound.