Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nanomaterials?
Generally speaking nanomaterials are any material where a single unit (particle) is between 1-1,000 nanometers. Materials with structure at the nanoscale often have unique optical, electronic, or mechanical properties.
How are Nanomaterials produced?
There are several different methods that can be employed to produce materials at the nanoscale. These can include synthesis through building up material from source atoms or breaking down larger molecules through various means that can include heat, pressure, solvents and/ or various forms of precipitation prior to final processing which can include milling, drying or other processing.
What is Titanium Dioxide?
Titanium Dioxide is a naturally occurring oxide of Titanium and accounts for 70% of the total production volume of pigments worldwide. It is widely used to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods, and toothpastes. It is also used in cosmetic and skin care products, and it is present in almost every sunblock, where it helps protect the skin from ultraviolet light. Since it absorbs UV it is therefore photo reactive, particularly so in its Nano form.
Is Nano TiO2 safe?
In an encapsulated form, there is no evidence that there are any potential health risks associated with Nano TiO2. Regardless, care should be taken when handling it in free or powder form as with any powdered substance. For more information, click here.
Why is the cost of Nano TiO2 more expensive than the bulk or pigment-grade versions?
There are a few reasons. The first is that the quality of the source material is very important and therefore more expensive. Second, the process required to create a quality nanomaterial is significantly higher and the production volumes are significantly lower than bulk versions of TiO2. Finally, the capabilities and benefits of Nano TiO2 given its unique properties (purification, preservation, detoxification, adsorption) make it a very valuable commercial product whose value far exceeds the cost of the source material itself.