Buying Guide: Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)

If Titanium Dioxide is a critical component in your industrial applications—such as coatings, plastics, cosmetics, paper production, or food processing—this comprehensive guide will help you make informed procurement decisions.
Titanium Dioxide is a high-performance white pigment valued for its brightness, opacity, UV resistance, and chemical stability. It is one of the most widely used inorganic pigments across various sectors including paints, coatings, plastics, printing inks, rubber, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Description
Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) is a white crystalline powder available in rutile and anatase crystal forms. It is chemically inert, non-toxic, and has excellent light-scattering properties. The product typically appears as a fine, white powder with a purity range of 94–99.9% depending on the grade. It provides superior whiteness, brightness, and opacity, and is essential in manufacturing light-stable, durable formulations.
Industries Using Titanium Dioxide Include:
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Paints and coatings
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Plastics and polymers
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Cosmetics and sunscreen
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Paper and pulp
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Food additives (as E171)
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Ceramics and glass
Typical Properties
| Property |
Specification |
| Appearance |
White crystalline or amorphous powder |
| Chemical Formula |
TiO₂ |
| Purity |
≥98% to ≥99.9% depending on grade |
| Solubility |
Insoluble in water and organic solvents |
| pH (in aqueous suspension) |
6.0 – 9.5 |
| Oil Absorption |
15 – 25 g/100g |
| Refractive Index |
Rutile: ~2.73, Anatase: ~2.55 |
| Density |
3.9 – 4.3 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point |
>1,840°C |
| Shelf Life |
24–36 months (dry conditions) |
| Packaging |
25 kg kraft bags or jumbo bags |
Titanium Dioxide Applications

1. Paints and Coatings
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Provides brightness and opacity.
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Offers excellent UV resistance and weatherability.
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Used in architectural, automotive, marine, and industrial coatings.
2. Plastics and Polymers
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Enhances whiteness and durability in PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.
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Improves UV stability and opacity.
3. Cosmetics and Personal Care
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Acts as a non-irritant white pigment and UV filter.
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Used in sunscreens, foundations, pressed powders, etc.
4. Paper Industry
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Increases opacity and brightness of paper and cardboard.
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Offers a glossy, smooth finish for coated paper products.
5. Food and Pharmaceuticals
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Used as a colorant (E171) in candies, tablets, and coatings.
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Approved by global regulatory bodies (though under scrutiny in some regions).
Grades & Specifications
| Grade Type |
Purity Level |
Typical Use |
| Rutile Grade |
≥98.5% – 99.9% |
Coatings, plastics, weatherable products |
| Anatase Grade |
≥98% |
Paper, ceramics, indoor paints, textiles |
| Food/Pharma Grade |
≥99% |
Colorant in foods, cosmetics, and medicines |
| Nano Grade |
~15–30 nm size |
UV filters in sunscreen and protective coatings |
Is Titanium Dioxide Corrosive?

No, Titanium Dioxide is not corrosive. It is chemically stable and inert under most environmental conditions. However:
Storage Advice:
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Store in a cool, dry area.
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Keep away from strong acids and reactive chemicals.
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Use sealed containers to prevent airborne dust.
Is Titanium Dioxide Toxic?
Titanium Dioxide is generally non-toxic, especially in non-nano forms. However:
Safe Handling Guidelines:
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Use in well-ventilated areas.
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Wear dust masks, goggles, and gloves.
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Refer to MSDS for safe disposal and first aid measures.
Is Titanium Dioxide Explosive?
No, Titanium Dioxide is non-explosive and non-flammable. It is highly stable and poses no combustion hazard under normal usage.
Storage Conditions:
Titanium Dioxide vs. Other White Pigments

| Parameter |
Titanium Dioxide |
Zinc Oxide |
Calcium Carbonate |
| Brightness |
Excellent |
Moderate |
Low |
| Opacity |
High |
Medium |
Low |
| UV Resistance |
Excellent |
Low |
Low |
| Cost |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Low |
| Common Uses |
Paints, plastics, food |
Ceramics, rubber |
Paper, fillers |
Titanium Dioxide is preferred in premium coatings, sunscreens, and polymers for its superior performance in opacity, whiteness, and UV shielding.
Purity Standards
| Application Area |
Required Purity |
Standards/Certifications |
| Paints and Coatings |
≥98.5% |
ISO 591, ASTM D476 |
| Cosmetics and Sunscreen |
≥99% |
FDA, EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 |
| Food Additive (E171) |
≥99.5% |
Food Codex, FCC, EFSA |
| Paper and Plastics |
≥98% |
RoHS, REACH |
Price & Supplier Considerations
Factors Affecting Price:
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Crystal form (rutile is more expensive than anatase)
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Purity level and particle size
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Coating treatment (surface treated grades cost more)
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Packaging and bulk shipping arrangements
Supplier Checklist:
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Offers COA, MSDS, TDS
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REACH / ISO / RoHS certified
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Flexible MOQ and bulk packaging
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Global delivery and documentation support
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Experience in pigment manufacturing or supply chain
Caution:
Avoid low-grade or mixed products that lack certifications—especially for cosmetic, food, or pharmaceutical applications.
How to Buy Titanium Dioxide

1. Define Application Needs
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Choose rutile or anatase based on end use.
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Specify particle size, surface treatment, and coating if needed.
2. Request Documentation
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Always ask for COA, MSDS, and TDS.
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Confirm compliance with target market’s safety standards.
3. Conduct Quality Evaluation
4. Packaging Review
5. Work with Reliable Partners
Conclusion
Titanium Dioxide is a versatile, highly effective white pigment used globally in industrial and consumer applications. Its high brightness, UV resistance, low toxicity, and long shelf life make it the ideal choice for industries prioritizing safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.
To achieve best-in-class results:
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Select the appropriate grade and crystal type.
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Work with certified, experienced suppliers.
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Follow safe handling and storage guidelines.
Whether you manufacture coatings, cosmetics, food products, or high-performance plastics, Titanium Dioxide delivers dependable quality with superior environmental compatibility.