Titanium has been used commercially for just over 50 years and in this short time it has achieved a reputation equal to an invincible comic book hero. In its pure form titanium is strong as steel, but 45% lighter, and compared to aluminum it is 60% heavier and twice as strong. Titanium is lightweight, with good strength, and excellent corrosion resistance, but is alloyed with other metals to increase its strength.
Melting Point of titanium is 1668 degrees C and burns in the presence of air or nitrogen. Titanium has the distinction of being the only element that burns in a nitrogen atmosphere.
Light waves interacting with the surface oxide of titanium (TiO2) produce beautiful and the vivid colors on the surface of titanium. When pure, titanium dioxide is relatively clear and has an extremely high index of refraction with an optical dispersion higher than diamond.
Titanium (Ti) ore was first discovered in 1791, and named after the Titans, mythological first sons of the earth. Pure metallic titanium was not produced until 1910. Some 40 years later a global titanium industry began to form.
The worlds 4th most abundant structural metal, exceeded only by aluminum, iron, and magnesium.
Titanium is the 9th most abundant element, constituting about 0.63% of the Earths crust. Found in, Australia, United States, Canada, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Russia, Norway, and Malaysia.
Some 94 percent of World demand for titanium is in the form of Titanium Dioxide (Ti02), and about 6 percent in titanium metal and metal alloys. The principal end uses for Ti02 are pigments. Other uses include catalysts, ceramics, coated fabrics and textiles, floor coverings, printing ink, and roofing granules. Properties and applications
Titanium is immune to corrosion from salt-water, most industrial and organic chemicals. This is due to titanium's very thin, tenacious and highly protective surface oxide Ti02. If worn or scratched, the oxide layer will immediately restore itself in the presence of air or water. Titanium dioxide is one of the most basic materials in of daily life; used widely paints, cosmetics and food stuffs.
Titanium dioxide is a semiconductor and is chemically activated by light energy. Photocatalysis studies of TiO2 have successfully proven to detoxify and sterilize air and liquids. Under the influence of light Ti02 can decompose tobacco tar, crude oil and organisms including bacteria, viruses and molds.
Scientific studies on photocatalysis started about 25 years ago in Japan and the following are viable applications developed.
Scientific studies on photocatalysis started about 25 years ago in Japan and the following are viable applications developed.