Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is produced in two major commercial forms worldwide: the traditional - and quantity-wise essential - production of pigment grade, and the innovative ultra-fine or nano grade, which is increasingly being utilized in modern technologies.
As a result of its ability to protect materials against the deleterious influences of sunlight and weather, as well as due to its extreme bleaching and coating power, titanium dioxide is literally present in every facet of modern life. This uniquely white pigment, which is not anticipated to be substituted in either the long- or short-term, is commonly used in the manufacture of paints and coatings of every type, as well as plastics, papers, rubbers, ceramics, welding electrodes, foodstuffs packaging, medicines and toothpastes, etc.
The nano grade of titanium dioxide is most often used in the production of catalysts, cosmetics (mascaras, lipsticks, powders, eye shadow, and - in particular - sun screen products), as well as remediation of waste waters, plastic packaging and self-cleaning facades.