Titanium

Titanium

Titanium is a high-performance transition metal known for its outstanding combination of low density, exceptional strength, and superior corrosion resistance. With a silvery-gray appearance and a high melting point of 1668 °C, it is widely valued across numerous advanced industries. Its strength-to-weight ratio outperforms that of most metals, including steel, while remaining significantly lighter. Titanium naturally forms a passive oxide layer, granting it excellent resistance to oxidation and aggressive chemical environments, including seawater and acids. In medical science, its biocompatibility allows for safe integration with bone and tissue, making it a preferred material for implants. Titanium is also non-magnetic and has low thermal and electrical conductivity, which further expands its usage in sensitive environments. Available in a variety of commercially pure and alloyed grades, titanium supports a vast array of high-precision applications in aerospace, defense, biomedical, chemical processing, and more.



General Properties

PropertyValue
Atomic Number22
Density4.51 g/cm³
Melting Point1668 °C
Boiling Point3287 °C
Thermal Conductivity21.9 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity420 nΩ·m
Crystal StructureHexagonal Close-Packed (HCP)

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength240–550 MPa (pure), >1000 MPa (alloys)
Yield Strength170–480 MPa
Young’s Modulus~116 GPa
HardnessBrinell 70–350 (depending on grade)
Elongation at Break15–30%
Poisson’s Ratio0.34

Chemical Properties

PropertyValue
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent
ReactivityForms stable oxide layer; reactive at high temperatures
Oxidation States+2, +3, +4
Surface OxideTitanium dioxide (TiO₂)
IdentifierValue
SymbolTi
Atomic Number22
CAS Number7440-32-6
UN NumberUN2546 (powder)
EINECS Number231-142-3
IsotopeTypeNotes
Ti-46StableLow abundance
Ti-47StableNatural isotope
Ti-48StableMost abundant (73.8%)
Ti-49StableTrace natural isotope
Ti-50StableMinor presence

Scientific Applications

Use CaseDescription
Biomedical ResearchStudy of titanium’s biocompatibility and osseointegration
Plasma PhysicsUsed in plasma-facing components due to high melting point
Nanomaterials DevelopmentTitanium nanoparticles used in catalyst and coating studies
Thin Film TechnologyEvaporation targets for PVD in semiconductor applications
Materials TestingFatigue and corrosion tests in simulated industrial environments

Industrial Applications

Use CaseDescription
Aerospace ComponentsCritical structural and engine parts due to strength-to-weight ratio
Medical ImplantsUsed for prosthetics, dental screws, and orthopedic pins
Marine HardwareExcellent seawater resistance for shafts, propellers, and casings
Power GenerationHeat exchangers and condensers in nuclear and geothermal plants
Chemical ProcessingStorage tanks and pipes for handling corrosive substances
Synonym
Titanium metal
Ti
Titan
Titane
Titanio
GradeDescriptionAlloying Elements
1Commercially pure, softest, most ductileNone
2Stronger than Grade 1, high corrosion resistanceNone
4Highest strength CP gradeNone
5Most widely used titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)6% Al, 4% V
9Good cold formability, moderate strength3% Al, 2.5% V
23Medical-grade version of Grade 5 with improved purity6% Al, 4% V
23 ELIExtra Low Interstitials for critical biomedical applications6% Al, 4% V
200Experimental/custom alloy gradeVaries by formulation
Ion-implantedSurface-modified titanium with enhanced wear resistanceIon diffusion (e.g., N, C)
Precipitation HardenableHeat-treatable alloys for increased strengthAl, Mo, Fe (typically)