Titanium

A chemical element, in the periodic table.

Properties

• Atomic Symbol: Ti
• Atomic Number: 22
• Atomic Weight: 47.88
• Melting Point: 1670±10°C
• Boiling Point: 3289°C
• Critical Temperature: ---
• Density^a: 4.54 g/cm³
• Electronic Structure: [Ar]3d³4s²
• Valance states: 2,3,4
• Crystal Structures: α-hexagonal, β-cubic (838°C)
• Thermal Conductivity^a: 0.219 (W/cm*K)
• Heat Capacity^a: 25.060 (J/mol*K)

^aat 25°C

Titanium was discovered by Gregor in 1791 and named after the Titans? of greek mythology by Kaproth in 1795. Titanium is the ninth most abundant element in the earth's crust and is present in most igneous rocks and in sediments derived from them. It occurs in the minerals rutile, ilmenite, and sphene, as well as many iron ores and titanates. Pure metallic titanium (99.9%) was first prepared in 1910 by Hunter by heating TiCl?₄ with sodium in a steel bomb. Today titanium metal is produced commercially by reducing TiCl?₄ with magnesium. A process developed in 1946 by Kroll.

When pure, titanium is a lustrious, white metal. It has a low density, good strength, is easily fabricated and has excellent corrosion resistance. It's relatively high melting point makes it useful as a refractory metal. Titanium is as strong as steel, but 45% lighter. It is 60% heavier than aluminum, but twice as strong. Because of its strength and light weight, titanium alloys are principally used for aircraft and missiles, although additional applications are becoming more common (golf clubs, mountain bikes, laptop computers, etc.)

The largest use of titanium is in the form of titanium dioxide, which is an important pigmant used in both house paint and artist's paint. It has good covering power and is quite permanent.