Titanium (Ti)

Stable isotopes of titanium available from ISOFLEX

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Titanium was discovered in 1791 by Reverend William Gregor, who recognized the presence of the element in menachanite, a mineral named after Menaccan in Cornwall, England. It takes its name from the Titans, the sons of Gaia, the Earth goddess in Greek mythology.

A white lustrous metal that is ductile when free of oxygen, titanium is also a low-density, high-strength metal, as strong as steel but 45% lighter. It has two allotropic modifications. The alpha form has a close-packed hexagonal crystal structure, a density of 4.54 g/cm³ at 20 ºC, and is stable up to 882 ºC. It converts very slowly to a body-centered cubic beta form at 882 ºC. The density of the beta form is 4.40 g/cm³ at an estimated 900 ºC.

Titanium metal is highly resistant to corrosion. It is unaffected by atmospheric air, moisture and sea water, allowing many of its industrial applications. The metal burns incandescently in air at about 1200 ºC, forming titanium dioxide. The metal also burns on contact with liquid oxygen. It combines with nitrogen at about 800 ºC, forming the nitride and producing heat and light. Titanium reacts with all halogens at high temperatures. It is soluble in hot concentrated sulfuric acid, forming sulfate, and with hydrofluoric acid, forming fluoride.

Elemental titanium is found in plants, animals, eggs and milk. Its alloys have wide industrial applications, as they possess high tensile strength, are lightweight, and can withstand extreme temperatures. They are often used in the construction of aircraft and missiles. They have also been used in medical prostheses, orthopedic and dental implants, dental and endodontic instruments and files, dental implants, jewelry and mobile phones.

Properties of Titanium

Research

• The isotopic nature of the Earth’s accreting material through time
• The Origin of the Moon Within a Terrestrial Synestia