Introduction

TiO2 is a very popular oxide, and its physicochemical, structural, and intrinsic electronic properties make it widely used. The existence of various polymorphic phases favors the selection of TiO2-based powders or films not only for scientific investigation but also for practical applications, most of which will be reported in this book. One of the most important, since many years, is the possibility to use TiO2 as a white pigment as this substance is present in about 95% of white and colored paint products. This is mainly due to the highly opaque and bright appearance which TiO2 confers to whatever it is applied to. Moreover, these optical features, along with its safe and effective UV-blocking properties, make TiO2 a virtually omnipresent ingredient in sunscreen products and cosmetics. As a UV light barrier, TiO2 is present also in plastics and coatings, especially for external uses, where the aging action of light must be minimized. These industrially relevant applications of TiO2 justify its economic success. The main economic aspects related to TiO2 will be discussed in this chapter. Finally, a summary of the content of the book will be presented.