What is Food-Grade Titanium Dioxide?

Food-grade titanium dioxide is a form of titanium dioxide that has been specifically processed and purified for use in food products. Food-grade titanium dioxide is primarily used as a whitening agent in food products, as it can enhance the opacity and brightness of food without changing its taste or odor. It is also used as a stabilizer, as it can prevent food ingredients from separating or settling.

The manufacturing process for food-grade titanium dioxide involves several steps, including:

Raw material selection:

The first step in the process is to select high-quality titanium dioxide ores that are suitable for food-grade production. These ores are typically mined from natural deposits or obtained through synthetic methods.

Purification:

Once the raw material has been selected, it is purified to remove any impurities or contaminants. This process may involve acid leaching, chlorination, or other chemical treatments.

Synthesis:

After purification, the titanium dioxide is synthesized using a process known as the chloride process. This involves heating the purified titanium dioxide with chlorine gas to produce titanium tetrachloride, which is then oxidized to produce titanium dioxide.

Surface Treatment:

Finally, the titanium dioxide particles are coated with a food-grade surface treatment to improve their dispersibility and stability in food products.