Titanium: what is titanium, properties, alloys and main uses

Titanium is considered one of the most high-performing metals known to humankind. Its reputation derives from the rare combination of two qualities in a single material: strength and lightness. This balance makes titanium indispensable in fields where maximum performance is required without compromise. Unsurprisingly, titanium has become a symbol of advanced technology, innovation and extreme reliability.

TITANIUM: AN INDISPENSABLE MATERIAL IN MULTIPLE SECTORS

Initially used in strategic sectors such as military and aerospace, today titanium is also applied in medicine, marine engineering, motorsport and even in luxury design. Although expensive and difficult to work with, it remains one of the most sought-after materials worldwide.

The history and discovery of titanium

The history of titanium began in 1791, when British mineralogist William Gregor identified a new element in a mineral found in Cornwall. A few years later, German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth confirmed the discovery and named it “Titanium”, inspired by the Titans of Greek mythology – deities symbolising strength and power.

Although known since the late 18th century, titanium remained a scientific curiosity for many years. Only in the 20th century, with the invention of advanced extraction and purification techniques, did it become possible to produce titanium in sufficient quantities for industrial use. During World War II and especially in the years following, titanium became a strategic material for the construction of aircraft and submarines.

What is titanium? CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES

Titanium (symbol Ti, atomic number 22) is a relatively abundant chemical element in the Earth’s crust, but it is never found in its pure state. It is always combined with other elements, forming minerals such as ilmenite and rutile.

Main properties of titanium:

• Lightness: With a density of 4.5 g/cm³, it is about 40% lighter than steel, making it ideal for applications that require weight reduction without sacrificing strength.

• Mechanical strength: Despite being lightweight, titanium offers strength comparable to that of the toughest steels and maintains excellent performance even at high temperatures.

• Corrosion resistance: It forms a protective oxide layer that makes it resistant to corrosion in aggressive environments such as salt water or chemical settings.

• Biocompatibility: It is fully compatible with the human body, without causing rejection or allergic reactions, which is why it is used in medical implants and orthopaedic prostheses.

• Aesthetics: Titanium has a silvery-grey colour and, thanks to its durability, is also highly valued in design and jewellery making.

Elements found in the earth's crust in percent

Titanium alloys

Titanium alloys are the real strength of this material, as they make it possible to achieve specific characteristics for each application. The main alloys are:

The main families of titanium alloys are:

• Alpha alloys: stable, corrosion-resistant, suitable for high temperatures.

• Beta alloys: more malleable and easier to work, ideal for complex geometries.

• Alpha-beta alloys: the perfect balance between strength and workability. The most famous is Ti-6Al-4V, widely used in aerospace, medical and industrial applications.

This wide range of alloys makes titanium extremely versatile.

Machining titanium

Despite its extraordinary properties, machining titanium is complex and requires high-performance CNC machines, specialised tools, and optimised cutting parameters. The difficulty in processing comes from its low thermal conductivity, which causes tools to overheat quickly, and the high resilience of the metal, which makes it difficult to cut.

What is titanium used for?

Titanium is employed in many advanced sectors thanks to its strength, lightness, and durability.

Main fields of application:

• Aerospace: Structural components, landing gear, engines, and coatings.

• Medicine: Orthopaedic prostheses, dental implants, surgical instruments.

• Automotive and Motorsport: Parts such as valves, springs, and chassis components for high-performance vehicles.

• Marine sector: Resistant to saltwater corrosion, used in boats and submarines.

• Design and luxury goods: Jewellery, eyewear, watches, and accessories.

• Chemical industry: Piping, heat exchangers, and tanks.

Titanium in space missions

Titanium is a key material in space exploration, used for rockets, satellites, and space stations. Its combination of lightness and strength is essential to reduce the weight of spacecraft without compromising structural integrity. In addition, titanium withstands extreme temperature fluctuations and oxidation, ensuring safety and durability during space missions.

In the future, titanium could be extracted from the Moon thanks to the presence of ilmenite. This could reduce transport costs and open up new possibilities in space exploration.

Advantages and disadvantages of titanium

Titanium is considered one of the highest performing materials in the world, but it is not without its limitations.

Advantages:

• Outstanding strength-to-weight ratio.

• Exceptional corrosion resistance.

• Durability in extreme conditions.

• Full biocompatibility.

• Versatility through alloys.

Disadvantages:

• High cost of both material and machining.

• Difficult to machine, requiring specialised equipment.

• More limited availability compared to common metals like aluminium and steel.

Conclusion

Titanium is one of the most innovative and high-performing materials in the world. Despite its high cost and the challenges of machining, its extraordinary properties make it indispensable in advanced applications. From aerospace to medicine, from marine engineering to design, titanium represents the perfect balance between strength, lightness, and versatility.

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