Uses for Titanium Dioxide

Titanium is becoming more useful by the day. Once considered useless, the compound is now used regularly in medicine, sports and aerospace. Almost 97% of the titanium used around the world is in its oxide form, which creates a significant demand for the metal.

Today’s paint cannot live without titanium dioxide. In fact, today, it is the most important part – giving it the rich depth and high color, particularly whites. Lead used to fit the role titanium dioxide now plays, but was discontinued as an ingredient in paints when it was discovered that lead often caused major health complications. Today, titanium dioxide, also known as TiO2, is also used in a number of other things like crayons, sunscreens and food coloring.

Even coated ceramic tile that are designed and manufactured in countries like Japan, Germany, France, England, Scotland and Spain have TiO2, which has self-cleaning and disinfectant qualities. This special coating protects the tile and will last as long as the tile itself. The best part about it is the fact it is activated by water and UV light. There are other TiO2 applications like roof tiles that are also activated by the same UV light (sun rays).

One of the most impressive qualities of TiO2 is that it’s used to the surrounding air near vegetable, cut flowers and fruit to increase the shelf life and prevent spoilage. Its photocatalytic properties are designed to remove ethylene gases from the air, which are naturally gaseous hormones that are produced by plants that ripen vegetables and fruits.

Titanium dioxide is an important part of many aspects of life. As demand climbs more uses are found each decade for this important metal and its various forms.

What to Know About Titanium Alloys

When titanium is combined with other metals it creates a metallic material known as a titanium alloy. The other metal in the alloy is typically small amounts of aluminum, tin, palladium or vanadium. Titanium alloys are created because they give improved properties over pure titanium and are better suited for different types of work where pure titanium is not quite ideal.

The enhanced characteristics include things such as good weldability (fabricability), corrosion resisitance, along with strength and stability at elevated temperatures. Because titanium is extremely hard, it can be a challenge to shape or weld. When mixed in with another metal, however, titanium often becomes easier to work with. Numerous alloys of other metals often contain minute amounts of titanium, however these are not considered a titanium alloy unless titanium comprises the majority of the substance.

  

Thirty-eight common types of titanium alloy exist. The general mix is made up of 90% titanium, 4% vanadium, and 6% aluminum and is known as Grade 5. This Grade 5 is also known as Titanium 6AL-4V, and is suitable for military use. This titanium grade remains stable in applications up to 752 degrees Fahrenheit. It is typically used in aircraft turbines, which become very hot due to quick rotations. Titanium comes in grades 1-38, and different industries tend to rely on different grades.

Often seen as a wonder metal, titanium is extremely light as well as exceedingly strong. In fact, it is nearly twice as strong as aluminum, and about equally as strong as steel. Yet titanium is 40% lighter than aluminum and 45% lighter than steel. In addition to this, it is non-reactive with the human body, which makes it ideal for medical implants. Unfortunately, titanium’s use has been limited by its high cost, making alloys often more affordable.

The Strength of Titanium

 You’ve seen titanium in a variety of industries, from jewelry to aerospace, but why is this metal taking off in popularity? Take a look at the properties that have made titanium a go to metal since its discovery and on through to today.

The second half of the 20th century was marked by an extensive development of production of titanium. At the time, this metal was marked as having a number of advantages, including wide availability and low cost, along with unique properties. The world was predicting that titanium would have a bright future and we were right.

Previous attempts have been made to apply the metal in other areas of metalized industries, such as: shipbuilding, engine construction and so on but those attempts failed. As it turned out, titanium has no simple chemical and physical properties. In 1940, William Kroll offered to produce titanium metal in the form of a sponge, by reducing titanium tetrachloride with magnesium, but this method was very expensive and complicated. Still, in developing this metal, Kroll incorporated titanium into a multi-billion industry staple.

The advantages of this material, in terms of the aluminum-magnesium alloy, are resistance, lightness and corrosion resistance plus the thermal durability of the metal. By weight, in contrast to the other traditionally used metals, titanium is about five times lighter. Because of this, titanium is widely used in the aerospace industry as well as other industries like medical, dental, aerospace, watchmaking, implantology and many others.

As the years pass, titanium has continued to become a much needed metal, especially in certain areas like healthcare and space exploration. The continued success of this metal along with the constant need for it will make titanium a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

The Reason Titanium is Used in Aerospace Applications

To the aerospace industry, titanium is unequaled. During the earlier days of manufacturing aircrafts, numerous promising concepts could not be put on an assembly line due to the lack of a strong enough metal, which was light enough to benefit an airplane. Yet with the introduction of titanium approximately one hundred years ago, titanium began being utilized, changing things rapidly throughout the whole industry. This metal has remained the dominant chemical element used in the aerospace sector since then and according to scientists and designers it is considered a scientific wonder.

Titanium’s most amazing quality is its exceptional strength to weight ration. While in its natural form, titanium is surprisingly soft and weak. Once it is alloyed, however, titanium becomes the amazingly powerful and useful substance we are accustomed to. In addition to this, titanium is incredibly heat resistant, being able to resist heat up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Titanium is also resistant to oxidation, does not fracture easily, is corrosion resistant, and hardly ever reaches the point of chemical fatigue. Large quantities of titanium are not only utilized by the aerospace industry. Numerous automotive components are manufactured daily by the automotive industry. The jewelry industry is another that makes use of titanium’s versatile characteristics. Medical research sectors also use titanium and have created artificial limbs for the disabled with the use of titanium. Dental appliances are also taking advantage of metal, as titanium works well as implants. Of course, the military has made use of this remarkable material. The areas that titanium is utilized by the military seem endless. For example, fighter jets are equipped with titanium engine components, body panels, and wings. This wonder metal is also found in landing gear and a wide variety of parts for aircraft, avionics, and other weapons. The duel characteristics of mega strength and low weight make the metal a staple of modern science. Like the Titans who ruled completely over their domain, and the beings for which it is named after, titanium has taken the leading role in aerospace technology. Modern technology would not look the same without the usage of this material. If it did not exist, technology would not be so advanced.

Titanium and Men’s Wedding Bands

Titanium wedding bands for men are becoming more readily available than they were in the past. These rings can be found anywhere from high end jewelry stores to outlet stores. You have to keep in mind though that not all titanium wedding bands are created equally, as is the case with any item that you’re looking to purchase. There is a choice of titanium bands from aircraft grade titanium to regular titanium.
Titanium didn’t begin its life as a jewelry metal. It was first used in the aerospace industry because of its ability to withstand temperature variations and is lightweight. If you buy an aircraft grade titanium wedding band you’re getting a ring that is scratch resistant and because the metal is 100 percent compatible with the human body’s composition, there are no allergic reactions noted.
It’s only been in recent years that couples are setting their sights on titanium wedding bands. In the past men were limited to wedding bands of white or yellow gold or even platinum. With the trends of men getting more involved in the planning of their weddings and in wanting to wear a wedding band that sets them apart from the crowd, they’re looking at cobalt, stainless steel, tungsten and of course, titanium. While not all titanium wedding bands are easy to find at the local jewelry stores, there are many online sites at which to find them.
The reason there is a preference for titanium wedding bands is that not only are they strong, durable and scratch resistant, they are also not heavy. Men who work with their hands or are in job situations in which their ring could become dented or scratched will appreciate the beauty and durability of a titanium wedding band. Some men choose a titanium ring because it is as shiny as platinum and could be brushed to give it a more modern look.
The history of titanium is that it was discovered in 1795 and because of its strength it was named after the ancient god Titan. Before the metal was used for wedding bands and other jewelry it was used for airplane propellers, aerospace parts and other aircraft parts. When wearing a titanium wedding band it’s like wearing a piece of history around your finger!

The Best Titanium Gadgets For Campers

Titanium is nothing less than a miracle metal, long known to be durable and stain resistant, but only recently “discovered” by designers and architects who need strong, lightweight substances in everything from airplanes to skyscrapers. Titanium fills the bill, due to its extremely high strength-to-weight ratio. A small piece of the metal can support many thousands of times its own weight. In camping and other outdoor activities, titanium has found its niche as the one of the most popular metals. In endurance sports, hiking, camping, and countless other activities, the wonder metal’s popularity continues to soar.

Some of the coolest gadgets and gizmos around are made from titanium. If you like to cook on your camping trips, consider buying a titanium, folding wood stove. These handy little items make it simple to fire up the grill when you are far away from the comforts of a real kitchen. If you want to keep your spending in the realm of sanity, that’s not a problem, since the stoves typically cost only around $50.

Titanium eating utensils should be the other addition to your outdoor cooking paraphernalia collection. Chopsticks, and even folding spoon-forks, are the two most commonly seen utensils out on the trail. They last for longer than you need them to, are almost indestructible, and will not hit you in the wallet, with standard prices in the under-$10 range.

If you are into the extreme sporting craze, or just like to do some wilderness camping every now and then, you need a safe, and dry, place to keep your valuables. That’s where titanium, again, comes in handy. The cash stash is a tube that screws together and will keep almost anything dry and safe, even on a rough river canoe trip, a mountain hike, or similarly “extreme” endeavors.

No camper should be without an all-in-one tool. Titanium all-in-ones come in a wide assortment of styles. Some are more adorned than others, but most consist of several screwdrivers, a punch, two or three pocketknives, a scissors, and numerous other permutations of tool-age. If you get an all-in-one that is made from titanium, you are buying a very handy device that will be with you for your entire life. No kidding. They have so many uses, you will be discovering new applications for your Titanium all-in-one tool for years to come. In fact, if you purchase only one titanium gadget for camping, or any outdoor activity, the all-in-one is probably the best way to spend a few dollars.

Advantages Of Purchasing Titanium Jewelry

In the market for a ring that can withstand the elements and be as weather proof as the loved one you are purchasing it for? If so, then purchasing a titanium ring, or really, any titanium jewelry might be just what you are looking for. You will find that one thing is for certain, while diamonds might be considered to be forever, it's really titanium jewelry that is. Take a look at these common myths about titanium, the truth behind them, as well as some benefits to titanium jewelry.

1. Can not be Adjusted

Generally titanium has not been thought of for the use of jewelry due to it's incredible durability and powerful resistance to outside elements. While it may be impossible to adjust titanium jewelry in some cases, in others slight adjustments can be made. Particularly as titanium jewelry is usually not just made out of this element, but usually mixed with additional elements to make adjusting it easier. Additionally, those considering buying titanium jewelry should keep in mind that necklaces and pennants very rarely need to be adjusted.

2. Impossible to Engrave

Titanium jewelry can be engraved, including those made into rings. Again, titanium jewelry is never made of just this element, and often those selling it provide free engraving, and have the equipment necessary to engrave it properly. Keep this fact in mind when considering what to purchase your loved one.

3. Titanium Allergies Aren't Common

If you've experienced problems in the past with a ring turning your finger's green, or commonly are allergic to outside elements, including gold, titanium is the road to go. There are almost no allergies or skin irritations caused by titanium, and in fact this element is often used in medical practices, such as surgeries, due to it's hypoallergenic properties.

4. Very difficult to damage

Because of how sturdy and incapable of damage titanium as an element is, causing unwanted dents is nearly impossible. Thus, damage to titanium jewelry is nearly impossible, and those who want to ensure they are buying a quality gift for their loved one should consider titanium jewelry as the ideal element. Those who have experienced problems in gold or diamonds scratching should know that as an element this one doesn't bend or allow for most damage, regardless of what other medals it might be mixed with, titanium is meant for the ages. Quality does matter with jewelry, and as we said before, diamonds might be thought of to be forever, but the fact is, titanium has proven that it is.

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