Use
Titanium dioxide is widely used in confectionery, cosmetics, and
foods, in the plastics industry, and in topical and oral pharmaceutical
formulations as a white pigment.
Owing to its high refractive index, titanium dioxide has lightscattering
properties that may be exploited in its use as a white
pigment and opacifier. The range of light that is scattered can be
altered by varying the particle size of the titanium dioxide powder.
For example, titanium dioxide with an average particle size of
230nm scatters visible light, while titanium dioxide with an average particle size of 60nm scatters ultraviolet light and reflects visible
light.
In pharmaceutical formulations, titanium dioxide is used as a
white pigment in film-coating suspensions, sugar-coated tablets,
and gelatin capsules. Titanium dioxide may also be admixed with
other pigments.
Titanium dioxide is also used in dermatological preparations
and cosmetics, such as sunscreens.