Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a white pigment used in the production of paints and coatings, plastics, papers, fibers and in specialties such as inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, glass and ceramics. It has the highest opacity of all white pigments due to its exceptionally high refractive index and subsequent high light-scattering power. Applications using TiO₂ are characterized by superior whiteness and brightness, a neutral tone, outstanding dispersibility and excellent tint reduction in colored media.

TiO₂ is commercially available in two crystal modifications – anatase and rutile. Depending on the crystal modification as well as the type, amount and chemical composition of its surface treatment, TiO₂ can be an effective UV-absorber with low photocatalytic activity giving it protective properties for use in exterior applications.

The white pigment, TiO₂ is an achromatic (color without a hue such as white, black, or gray), inorganic colorant that is insoluble in the respective medium in which it is incorporated. Its refractive index is significantly higher than that of any other white pigment or filler/extender available. It has an exceptionally high reflectance and displays little or no absorption in the wavelength range of visible light. More than 90% of standardized color palettes contain TiO₂ pigment due to its superior hiding power, making it virtually irreplaceable even in non-white applications.

Furthermore, TiO₂ pigments are non-toxic and easy to disperse in most applications. It is inert in chemical terms, resistant to high temperatures, as well as prevailing atmospheric influences. TiO₂ pigments are insoluble in water, organic solvents, alkalis, and most inorganic acids. Commercially available TiO₂ pigments primarily consist of near-to spherical surface-treated pigment particles with a diameter between 0,2 and 0,4 µm. Currently, there are no adequate substitutes for TiO₂ pigments in most applications.