Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Five Interesting Uses for Titanium


Titanium is defined as a strong, low-density, highly corrosion-resistant, lustrous white metallic element that occurs widely in igneous rocks and is used to alloy aircraft metals for low weight, strength, and high-temperature stability. But what are some interesting uses for this lightweight metal?

Titanium is extremely resistant to sea water, a fact that makes it very useful to several sea faring crafts. Many hulls of small boats are lined with titanium and the same goes for many structures that are built in the ocean. Many aquarium developers also use titanium in the structure of their salt water aquariums because of its resistance. Titanium in most cases will not rust, which makes it very effective to any developers who have products that will be in constant contact with water.

Another surprising use for titanium is its use in the human body. Titanium is very commonly used as the material for joint replacement, tooth implants, and body piercings because it is physiologically inert. Doctors like to use inert materials when dealing with the human body because then they can avoid the chance of the body rejecting that material. Most eyeglasses are also made out of titanium because of its lightweight properties, and also results in very resistant, long lasting frames.

Another use for titanium that many do not know is that many sunscreen companies put titanium in their sunscreen. They do this because titanium has some useful sun resistant properties and as mentioned before won't damage your skin because of its inertness. These sun resistant properties help to better protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Titanium is also often used as a pigment for artistic, domestic and industrial purposes.

Not only is titanium one of the strongest and lightest metals in the world it also is one of the most useful. Many people don't take the time to see how big of an impact titanium has had on the world, and don't know that titanium has replaced steel as a more effective metal in many circumstances in today's society. So next time you are putting on sunscreen, are boarding a small boat, or getting something on your body pierced, you are most likely putting titanium to one of its many interesting uses.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Titanium Plated Home


Believe it or not, titanium has become one of the most used metals on the planet. Its strength and durability have allowed it to be used in several different ways that benefit society. A new addition to the world of titanium is a titanium home in the Czech Republic.

The home is completely made out of titanium and glass. Looked at as an architectural wonder, this home has even more going for it. On top of being made out of one of the most durable metals available, it is shaped like a bird with its wings outstretched.

The home sits atop a mountain and the bird design was made to essentially fit in with nature. Although many were worried about the home's structural integrity, after the first big storm came and went the owners were convinced the titanium had done it again and showed its prowess as one of the world's strongest metals.

The home is unique for other reasons than just the titanium. The home also has an indoor pool with an aquarium within the pool itself. A winding staircase down the center of the home also focuses on its amazing architectural design.

The home took roughly five years to build and was designed by Roman Kuba, a local Czech man who owns a successful firm in the area. He got the original idea from a blackbird who spread its wings over the balcony at his own home. Kuba's firm belief in "organic architecture", which means that a structures design should reflect its design, is in full effect in this architectural wonder.