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Why is titanium dioxide used as a white pigment in paints and paper?

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A periodic table element tile for titanium displays its atomic number 22, symbol Ti, atomic weight 47.867, electron configuration, and name. Icons indicate it is a solid, transition metal with a hexagonal crystal structure and equal relative strength. — titanium Properties of titanium.

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is utilized as a white pigment in paints and paper primarily because of its exceptional ability to provide brightness and opacity.12

As a naturally occurring mineral, it is prized for its high refractive index, which allows it to effectively scatter light, thereby lending a brilliant white appearance and covering power to various coatings, inks, and industrial materials. Because of these unique optical properties, it is recognized as the most common white pigment used globally.12