TiO2?

jsmoove

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I remember reading something a while ago on here about TiO2. Can it be used as a photographic medium? Just curious.

Photocatalytic Surface - Breaks down organic matter when exposed to UV

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is incorporated into surfaces where it functions as a catalyst, that creates free radicals from water molecules in the air when exposed to UV light (<387 nm). The highly reactive free radicals break down organic matter, micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria), and pollutants...
www.materialsampleshop.com
 

gone

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If it creates free radicals, whoa! Guess it's OK if encapsulated, but will it stay there? Definitely a known cause of cancer if it gets in someone's lungs.
 

nmp

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Intriguing idea. Look up the CHIBA process - which uses free-radical cross-linking of gelatin, gum etc to form an image. Presumably one can make a white (TiO2) pigmented concoction with an appropriate medium and apply on a black paper to make a positive image. If things work out the way it would seem in theory. Like is the photo-activity enough to reach critical gel-point in the matrix so it becomes insoluble with exposure doses that are practical. I have no idea.

:Niranjan.
 

koraks

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nmp said:
Look up the CHIBA process - which uses free-radical cross-linking of gelatin, gum etc to form an image.
Click to expand...

That crossed my mind as well.

nmp said:
Presumably one can make a white (TiO2) pigmented concoction with an appropriate medium and apply on a black paper to make a positive image.
Click to expand...

Indeed, the opacity of TiO2 would be a thing to keep in mind. The way you describe it, it could be exploited. For a negative-working process, it would be a problem. I wonder how much TiO2 would be needed to make a gelatin emulsion like a carbon tissue harden; perhaps the image-forming pigment can still overpower the whiteness of the TiO2.

Since TiO2 is considered non-toxic, it's a really interesting avenue for experimentation.
 
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