Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. Sometimes called the “space age metal”, it benefits from useful physical and chemical properties that make it appealing in the production of items in countless industries. These include the aerospace industry and the creation of medical devices to name but a few. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, transition metal with a silver colour that also benefits from excellent corrosion resistance (including against sea water, aqua regia and chlorine).
Discovery and Naming
Metallic titanium was discovered in England by William Gregor in 1791 and named by Martin Heinrich Klaproth for the Titans of Greek mythology.
Occurrence and Distribution
The element occurs within a number of mineral deposits, principally rutile and ilmenite, which are widely distributed in the Earth’s crust and lithosphere, and it is found in almost all living things, rocks, water bodies, and soils.
Extraction and Processing
The metal is extracted from its principal mineral ores via the Kroll process or the Hunter process. Its most common compound, titanium dioxide, is a popular photocatalyst and is used in the manufacture of white pigments. Other compounds include titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), a component of smoke screens and catalysts; and titanium trichloride (TiCl3), which is used as a catalyst in the production of polypropylene.
Applications of Titanium
Titanium can be alloyed with other metals such as iron, aluminium, vanadium, and molybdenum, among other elements. This produces strong, lightweight titanium alloys for numerous uses including:
- Aerospace (jet engines, missiles, and spacecraft)
- Military
- Industrial processes (chemicals and petro-chemicals, desalination plants, pulp, and paper)
- Automotive
- Agri-food
- Medical prostheses
- Orthopaedic implants
- Dental and endodontic instruments and files
- Dental implants
- Sporting goods
- Jewellery
- Mobile phones and other applications
The two most useful properties of the metal form are corrosion resistance and the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. In its unalloyed condition, titanium is as strong as some steels, but 45% lighter. There are two allotropic forms and five naturally occurring isotopes of this element, 46Ti through 50Ti, with 48Ti being the most abundant (73.8%). Titanium’s properties are chemically and physically similar to zirconium because both of them have the same number of valence electrons and are in the same group in the periodic table.
About Titanium FAQs
Titanium metal is used in more industries than you may first think.
Commercially pure titanium (Grades 1 to 4) is famously known to be used in parts of aircraft and car engines due to its lightweight yet durable strength and resistance to elevated temperatures.
Titanium is also used to create much smaller tools and items. Thanks to its physical properties, titanium is used widely in the medical and dentistry industry for reliable surgical tools that won’t crack under pressure.
The metal is resistant to corrosion, making it the perfect material for jewellery. It can be worn underwater and during exercise without rusting or breaking.
Do you have a project in mind that requires titanium or a titanium alloy?
The team here at Ti-Tek know everything there is to know about titanium and is always on hand to answer any of your questions. Simply get in touch today for more advice and information on the uses of titanium.
Considering the range of benefits of titanium products, you’d think it was an expensive metal, but it actually appeals to a wide range of budgets, furthering its popularity.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to give you an estimated price for our titanium products, as each type differs in cost.
The type, thickness, length and amount will all alter the total cost when you shop our range today.
Fill out our contact form with some information on why you need titanium products. Don’t forget to include your prospective measurements and ideal titanium product.
From here we can give you some more information and advice on the best products for you and your project, providing the next steps you need to take to order your new titanium products.
Titanium is famous for its long list of benefits.
Although similarly lightweight as aluminium alloys, the strength and mechanical properties of titanium are comparable to steel, making it the perfect material to create parts for cars, planes and beyond..
Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion and moisture, limiting the risk of rust build-up. If rust were to collect, it would cause weak spots and potential breakages – opting for titanium means you never have to worry about exposing your titanium product to harsh weather or temperatures.
Because it is able to withstand extreme temperatures, titanium is often used as internal coils, as it can withstand harsh temperatures in engines.
For more benefits, get in touch with us today. Our friendly team are always more than happy to help and can answer any of your questions.
We understand that each project is unique, and requires different lengths, thicknesses and widths of titanium.
This means it’s hard to give you a quote without knowing much about your industry and your requirements.
For a clearer understanding of our pricing, give us a call today on 0121 382 4121. Don’t forget to include some information on why you require titanium and at least a rough guide of your measurements.
From here we can give you some information on our products and what we think is the best for you and your project. We can then come to an agreed order and then give you an exact total price.
Alternatively, you can send us this information via email. Simply send over your questions to info@titek.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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