Titanium Uses

Titanium is a chemical element typically characterized, in its purest form, by its luster and metallic-white color. It is present in abundance in the Sun as well as in meteorites. It is the 9th most abundant element found in the Earth's crust and derives its name from the Greek word titanos (Titans). In 1946, 155 years after its discovery, William Justin Kroll showed that it is possible to produce titanium by reducing titanium tetrachloride with magnesium. Over the period of time, the element has gained wide prominence, and a large part of the credit goes to titanium uses, which are just increasing in number with time.

Titanium Properties
The atomic number of titanium is 22, while its atomic mass is 47.867 (1). It has a melting point over 1660 degree Celsius, and a boiling point of 3287 degree Celsius. Being light and strong, titanium is most popular for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. At room temperature, titanium resists tarnishing, however, higher temperature does form a protective oxide coating on it in order to resist corrosion.

Uses of Titanium Element
Most of the uses of titanium revolve around titanium alloys. Owing to its excellent strength, it is added to various metals, including steel, in order to increase their strength and make them corrosion resistant. It also makes the alloy lighter. For instance, an alloy of titanium and steel, will weigh lesser than what pure steel weighs. Out of the total titanium produced commercially, approximately 65 percent is used to make the alloys by mixing it with steel, which is used in making aircraft and marine appliances.

Some of the most popular titanium uses are given below in a random order:

• In jewelry, titanium is used to produce small artificial gemstones, which are relatively softer than the other gemstones.
• Titanium tetrachloride is used for sky writing, owing to its capability of producing thick fumes in moist air.
• In the field of medicine, titanium is used to make pace-makers, artificial replacements for hip and knee joints as well as bone plates and screws.
• The strength of this metal along with its ability to resist saline water makes it an immensely popular component of marine engineering
• Due to its opaque nature, industrial titanium uses, mostly range in between domestic and artistic applications, such as ultrasonic welding and wave soldering.
• Alloys of titanium are used in eyeglass frames, to make it highly resistant and long-lasting.
• Titanium dioxide, one of the most important compound of titanium, is predominantly used in manufacturing of white paint.
• In sports, titanium is used to make golf clubs.
• Titanium is also used to build cars and bikes in racing, as it provides strength and durability without increasing the weight of the machine.
• This chemical element is also used in desalination plant, wherein saline water is converted to fresh water.
• The latest entry, in the long list of titanium uses is the introduction of titanium cookware and metal art, which is gaining wide popularity in society with time.

These titanium uses and properties make it one of the most valuable element known to the mankind. Interestingly, there is a small amount of this element present in our body. Research has revealed that we take in absolutely little amount of titanium everyday, however this element passes out of the body without getting absorbed. Its propensity to catch fire or explode in metallic powdered form is yet another fact about titanium that you should know.