Titanium:

Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It is a lustrous transition metal with a silver color, low density and high strength. It is highly resistant to corrosion in sea water, aqua regia and chlorine.

Titanium was discovered in Cornwall, Great Britain, by William Gregor in 1791 and named by Martin Heinrich Klaproth for the Titans of Greek mythology. 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. 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.

Properties:

µ  Outstanding corrosion resistance

µ  Low density

µ  High heat-resistance

µ  High heat transfer capability

µ  Superior strength-to-weight ratios

µ  Very good oxidation capability

µ  High melting point

µ  Low thermal expansion coefficient

µ  Low elasticity module

µ  Excellent corrosion resistance

Application:

µ  Aerospace, aircraft and engines where strong, lightweight, temperature-resistant materials are needed

µ  Ships, propeller shafts and other structures exposed to the sea

µ  Industrial

µ  Medical

µ  Drill bits

µ  Bicycles, golf clubs, watches and laptop computers and so on.