When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
We love interacting with our clients, friends, and followers over Twitter: it’s just plain fun! Yesterday afternoon we were brought in on a brief discussion occurring over Twitter related to (of all things) work vans. The question was posed, “Why are so many work trucks/vans white?” One response indicated it was because of titanium dioxide—and that we might have an additional explanation too. You know us, always excited to weigh in on interesting and everyday science matters. So here are our thoughts about white work trucks and colorant additives.
Our friend Kris Olin (@Kristopherolin) nailed it, the reason the paint is white is due to the additive titanium dioxide. This additive is extremely inexpensive and is an excellent choice when you want something white and opaque. It’s not limited to white materials, either, when combined with other dyes and pigments, it helps make plastics opaque (rather than transparent). Within plastics industry, and nearly any industry for that matter, costs reign supreme. Materials that provide the necessary function at a low cost are winning materials for manufacturers. The bottom line about titanium dioxide: it’s cheap and it’s effective.
Now, if we may, we’d like to step out of the science zone and speculate about the aesthetics involved. There is another cheap colorant additive available but it does the exact opposite of titanium dioxide, it makes materials black and opaque. The additive we are referring to is carbon black. So while there is another cost effective option it has a contrasting visual appearance and would frankly make it more difficult to a
pply custom graphics or business markings to the work van. The answer to this question about work vans is as a result one about materials science as well as the science of marketing.The other interesting thing we can’t help but mention is the historical white paint additive: lead. Decades ago lead carbonate, also known as “white lead” was the pigment of choice for those seeking white paint. It is dirt cheap and makes fantastic paint but it is also highly toxic and sweet to the taste (a horrible combination for kids). The dangers of this substance far outweighed the benefits and thus lead paint is luckily a thing of the past. According to Toxipedia, in 1904 lead poisoning in children was linked to lead-based paint, and in 1971 the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act was passed, phasing out lead-based house paint.
pply custom graphics or business markings to the work van. The answer to this question about work vans is as a result one about materials science as well as the science of marketing.The other interesting thing we can’t help but mention is the historical white paint additive: lead. Decades ago lead carbonate, also known as “white lead” was the pigment of choice for those seeking white paint. It is dirt cheap and makes fantastic paint but it is also highly toxic and sweet to the taste (a horrible combination for kids). The dangers of this substance far outweighed the benefits and thus lead paint is luckily a thing of the past. According to Toxipedia, in 1904 lead poisoning in children was linked to lead-based paint, and in 1971 the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act was passed, phasing out lead-based house paint.
To contrast the safety concerns of lead paint titanium dioxide has been shown to be a safe additive and is even included in medical devices, cosmetics, and even the white lettering on M&Ms. However, manufacturers should also make sure that they confirm the purity of the titanium dioxide they source. In one project, we found antimony trioxide within the titanium dioxide we were analyzing for a client. Antimony trioxide is sometimes intentionally added to some plastics but it is toxic on ingestion, so the use is a little more limited. While they weren’t happy that their material was contaminated they were happy we caught it before it caused even bigger issues.
Our clients regularly want to take a closer look at their products for both filler and additive content. For those looking specifically for analysis of titanium dioxide we have multiple methods we can employ, based on the crystal form the titanium dioxide is in. There is one type that is very resistant to digestion needed for analysis but it can be analyzed with our XRF or we can digest it within one of our platinum crucibles and finish the analysis with ICP.
Huge thanks to our followers for asking fun questions that allow us to reflect on the great science we love! We hope this answer was helpful and maybe gave you a little more science than you were even bargaining for. Stay in touch & stay curious!
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