At what temperature does titanium melt?

Melting point of titanium

In the periodic table, the chemical element titanium is designated as Ti (Titanium) and is located in a secondary subgroup of group IV, in the 4th period under atomic number 22. It is a silvery-white solid metal that is part of a large number of minerals. You can buy titanium on our website.

Titanium was discovered at the end of the 18th century by chemists from England and Germany, William Gregor and Martin Klaproth, independently of each other with a six-year difference. The name of the element was given by Martin Klaproth in honor of the ancient Greek characters of the titans (huge, strong, immortal creatures).

As it turned out, the name became prophetic, but it took humanity more than 150 years to become familiar with all the properties of titanium. Only three decades later it was possible to obtain the first sample of titanium metal. At that time, it was practically not used due to its fragility.

In 1925, after a series of experiments, using the iodide method, chemists Van Arkel and De Boer extracted pure titanium.

Due to the valuable properties of the metal, engineers and designers immediately paid attention to it. It was a real breakthrough. In 1940, Kroll developed a magnesium-thermal method for obtaining titanium from ore. This method is still relevant today.

Physical and mechanical properties

Titanium is a fairly refractory metal. Its melting point is 1668±3°C. In this indicator, it is inferior to such metals as tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, zirconium. Titanium is a paramagnetic metal. In a magnetic field it is not magnetized, but is not pushed out of it.

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Titanium has a low density (4.5 g/cm³) and high strength (up to 140 kg/mm²). These properties practically do not change at high temperatures. It is more than 1.5 times heavier than aluminum (2.7 g/cm³), but 1.5 times lighter than iron (7.8 g/cm³). In terms of mechanical properties, titanium is much superior to these metals.

In terms of strength, titanium and its alloys are on par with many grades of alloy steel.

Titanium is as resistant to corrosion as platinum. The metal has excellent resistance to cavitation conditions. Air bubbles formed in a liquid medium during active movement of a titanium part practically do not destroy it.

It is a durable metal that can resist fracture and plastic deformation. It is 12 times harder than aluminum and 4 times harder than copper and iron. Another important indicator is the yield strength. As this indicator increases, the resistance of titanium parts to operational loads improves.

In alloys with certain metals (especially nickel and hydrogen), titanium is able to “remember” the shape of the product created at a certain temperature. Such a product can then be deformed and it will retain this position for a long time. If the product is heated to the temperature at which it was made, then the product will take its original shape. This property is called “memory”.

The thermal conductivity of titanium is relatively low and the coefficient of linear expansion is correspondingly low. It follows from this that metal is a poor conductor of electricity and heat. But at low temperatures it is a superconductor of electricity, which allows it to transmit energy over considerable distances. Titanium also has high electrical resistance.

Pure titanium metal is subject to various types of cold and hot processing. It can be drawn and wired, forged, rolled into strips, sheets and foil with a thickness of up to 0.01 mm.

The following types of rolled products are made from titanium: titanium strip , titanium wire , titanium pipes , titanium bushings , titanium circle , titanium rod .

Chemical properties

Pure titanium is a chemically active element. Due to the fact that a dense protective film is formed on its surface, the metal is highly resistant to corrosion.

It does not undergo oxidation in air, in salty sea water, and does not change in many aggressive chemical environments (for example: diluted and concentrated nitric acid, aqua regia). At high temperatures, titanium interacts with reagents much more actively. In air at a temperature of 1200°C, it ignites.

When ignited, the metal gives off a bright glow. An active reaction also occurs with nitrogen, with the formation of a yellow-brown nitride film on the surface of titanium.

Reactions with hydrochloric and sulfuric acids at room temperature are weak, but when heated, the metal dissolves intensively. As a result of the reaction, lower chlorides and monosulfate are formed. Weak interactions also occur with phosphoric and nitric acids. The metal reacts with halogens. The reaction with chlorine occurs at 300°C.

An active reaction with hydrogen occurs at a temperature slightly above room temperature. Titanium actively absorbs hydrogen. 1 g of titanium can absorb up to 400 cm³ of hydrogen. Heated metal decomposes carbon dioxide and water vapor. Interaction with water vapor occurs at temperatures above 800°C. As a result of the reaction, metal oxide is formed and hydrogen evaporates.

At higher temperatures, hot titanium absorbs carbon dioxide and forms carbide and oxide.

Methods of obtaining

Titanium is one of the most abundant elements on Earth. its mass in the bowels of the planet is 0.57%. The highest concentration of the metal is observed in the “basalt shell” (0.9%), in granitic rocks (0.23%) and in ultramafic rocks (0.03%).

There are about 70 titanium minerals in which it is found in the form of titanic acid or dioxide. The main minerals of titanium ores are: ilmenite, anatase, rutile, brookite, loparite, leucoxene, perovskite and sphene. The world's main titanium producers are the UK, USA, France, Japan, Canada, Italy, Spain and Belgium.

There are several ways to obtain titanium. All of them are used in practice and are quite effective.

1. Magnesium-thermal process

Ore containing titanium is mined and processed into dioxide, which is slowly and at very high temperatures subjected to chlorination. Chlorination is carried out in a carbon environment.

The titanium chloride formed as a result of the reaction is then reduced with magnesium. The resulting metal is heated in vacuum equipment at high temperature. As a result, magnesium and magnesium chloride evaporate, leaving titanium with many pores and voids.

Titanium sponge is melted down to produce high-quality metal.

2. Calcium hydride method

First, titanium hydride is obtained, and then it is separated into its components: titanium and hydrogen. The process occurs in an airless space at high temperatures.

Calcium oxide is formed, which is washed with weak acids.
Calcium hydride and magnesium-thermal methods are commonly used on an industrial scale.

These methods make it possible to obtain a significant amount of titanium in a short period of time, with minimal monetary costs.

3. Electrolysis method

Titanium chloride or dioxide is exposed to high current. As a result, the compounds decompose.

4. Iodide method

Titanium dioxide reacts with iodine vapor. Next, titanium iodide is exposed to high temperature, resulting in titanium. This method is the most effective, but also the most expensive. Titanium is obtained of very high purity without impurities or additives.

Application of titanium

Due to its good anti-corrosion properties, titanium is used for the manufacture of chemical equipment. The high heat resistance of the metal and its alloys facilitates its use in modern technology. Titanium alloys are an excellent material for aircraft, rocket and shipbuilding.

Monuments are made from titanium. And bells made of this metal are known for their extraordinary and very beautiful sound. Titanium dioxide is a component of some medications, for example: ointments against skin diseases. Metal compounds with nickel, aluminum and carbon are also in great demand.

Titanium and its alloys have found application in such areas as the chemical and food industries, non-ferrous metallurgy, electronics, nuclear engineering, power engineering, and electroplating.

Weapons, armor plates, surgical instruments and implants, irrigation systems, sports equipment and even jewelry are made from titanium and its alloys.

During the nitriding process, a golden film is formed on the surface of the metal, which is not inferior in beauty even to real gold.

Source: https://steelfactoryrus.com/temperatura-plavleniya-titana/

At what temperature does titanium melt?

· 09.09.2019

Crystal Titanium Bar

Titanium is a lightweight, durable metal with a silvery-white color. It exists in two crystal modifications: α-Ti with a hexagonal close-packed lattice, β-Ti with cubic body-centered packing, the temperature of the polymorphic transformation α↔β is 883 °C. Titanium and titanium alloys combine lightness, strength, high corrosion resistance, low thermal coefficient expansion, ability to operate in a wide temperature range.

STRUCTURE

Crystal crystal structure

Titanium has two allotropic modifications. The low-temperature modification, existing up to 882 °C, has a hexagonal close-packed lattice with periods a = 0.296 nm and c = 0.472 nm.

The high-temperature modification has a body-centered cube lattice with a period a = 0.332 nm.

The polymorphic transformation (882 °C) with slow cooling occurs according to the normal mechanism with the formation of equiaxed grains, and with rapid cooling - according to the martensitic mechanism with the formation of an acicular structure.

Titanium has high corrosion and chemical resistance due to the protective oxide film on its surface. It does not corrode in fresh and sea water, mineral acids, aqua regia, etc.

PROPERTIES

Melting point 1671 °C, boiling point 3260 °C, density of α-Ti and β-Ti, respectively, is 4.505 (20 °C) and 4.32 (900 °C) g/cm³, atomic density 5.71 × 1022 at/ cm³. Plastic, weldable in an inert atmosphere.

Technical titanium used in industry contains impurities of oxygen, nitrogen, iron, silicon and carbon, which increase its strength, reduce ductility and affect the temperature of the polymorphic transformation, which occurs in the range of 865-920 °C.

For technical Titanium grades VT1-00 and VT1-0, the density is about 4.32 g/cm 3, the tensile strength is 300-550 MN/m 2 (30-55 kgf/mm 2), relative elongation is not lower than 25%, Brinell hardness is 1150 -1650 Mn/m 2 (115-165 kgf/mm 2). Is paramagnetic. Configuration of the outer electron shell of the Ti 3d24s2 atom.

It has a high viscosity and, during machining, is prone to sticking to the cutting tool, and therefore requires the application of special coatings to the tool and various lubricants.

At ordinary temperatures it is covered with a protective passivating film of TiO2 oxide, making it corrosion resistant in most environments (except alkaline). Titanium dust tends to explode. Flash point 400 °C.

Reserves and production

Main ores: ilmenite (FeTiO3), rutile (TiO2), titanite (CaTiSiO5).

As of 2002, 90% of mined titanium was used to produce titanium dioxide TiO2. World production of titanium dioxide was 4.5 million tons per year. Confirmed reserves of titanium dioxide (excluding Russia) are about 800 million tons.

As of 2006, according to the US Geological Survey, in terms of titanium dioxide and excluding Russia, reserves of ilmenite ores amount to 603-673 million tons, and rutile ores - 49.7-52.7 million tons.

Thus, at the current rate of extraction, the world's proven reserves of titanium (excluding Russia) will last for more than 150 years.

Russia has the second largest reserves of titanium in the world, after China. The mineral resource base of titanium in Russia consists of 20 deposits (of which 11 are primary and 9 alluvial), fairly evenly distributed throughout the country. The largest of the explored deposits is located 25 km from the city of Ukhta (Komi Republic). The deposit's reserves are estimated at 2 billion tons.

Titanium ore concentrate is subjected to sulfuric acid or pyrometallurgical processing. The product of sulfuric acid treatment is titanium dioxide powder TiO2. Using the pyrometallurgical method, the ore is sintered with coke and treated with chlorine, producing titanium tetrachloride vapor, which is reduced at 850 °C with magnesium.

The resulting titanium “sponge” is melted down and cleaned. Ilmenite concentrates are reduced in electric arc furnaces, followed by chlorination of the resulting titanium slag.

ORIGIN

Titanium is in 10th place in terms of prevalence in nature. in the earth's crust - 0.57% by weight, in sea water - 0.001 mg/l. In ultramafic rocks 300 g/t, in basic rocks - 9 kg/t, in acidic rocks 2.3 kg/t, in clays and shales 4.5 kg/t. In the earth's crust, titanium is almost always tetravalent and is present only in oxygen compounds. Not found in free form.

Under conditions of weathering and precipitation, titanium has a geochemical affinity with Al2O3.
It is concentrated in bauxites of the weathering crust and in marine clayey sediments. Titanium is transferred in the form of mechanical fragments of minerals and in the form of colloids. Up to 30% TiO2 by weight accumulates in some clays. Titanium minerals are resistant to weathering and form large concentrations in placers.

More than 100 minerals containing titanium are known.
The most important of them are: rutile TiO2, ilmenite FeTiO3, titanomagnetite FeTiO3 + Fe3O4, perovskite CaTiO3, titanite CaTiSiO5. There are primary titanium ores - ilmenite-titanomagnetite and placer ores - rutile-ilmenite-zircon. Titanium deposits are located in South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, China, Japan, Australia, India, Ceylon, Brazil, South Korea, and Kazakhstan.

In the CIS countries, the leading places in explored reserves of titanium ores are occupied by the Russian Federation (58.5%) and Ukraine (40.2%).

APPLICATION

Titanium products

Titanium alloys play an important role in aviation technology, where they strive to obtain the lightest structure combined with the necessary strength. Titanium is lightweight compared to other metals, but at the same time can operate at high temperatures.

Titanium alloys are used to make the casing, fastening parts, power kit, chassis parts, and various units. These materials are also used in the construction of aircraft jet engines. This allows you to reduce their weight by 10-25%.

Titanium alloys are used to produce compressor discs and blades, air intake and guide vane parts, and fasteners.

Titanium and its alloys are also used in rocket science. Due to the short-term operation of engines and the rapid passage of dense layers of the atmosphere in rocket science, the problems of fatigue strength, static endurance and partly creep are eliminated to a large extent.

Due to its insufficiently high thermal strength, technical titanium is not suitable for use in aviation, but due to its exceptionally high corrosion resistance, in some cases it is indispensable in the chemical industry and shipbuilding. Thus, it is used in the manufacture of compressors and pumps for pumping such aggressive media as sulfuric and hydrochloric acid and their salts, pipelines, shut-off valves, autoclave, various types of containers, filters, etc.

Only titanium is corrosion resistant in environments such as wet chlorine, aqueous and acidic chlorine solutions, therefore equipment for the chlorine industry is made from this metal. Heat exchangers are made from titanium that operate in corrosive environments, for example, nitric acid (non-smoking). In shipbuilding, titanium is used for the manufacture of propellers, plating of ships, submarines, torpedoes, etc.

Shells do not stick to titanium and its alloys, which sharply increase the resistance of the vessel as it moves.

Titanium alloys are promising for use in many other applications, but their spread in technology is hampered by the high cost and scarcity of titanium.

Titanium, its properties and alloys

Titanium. Chemical element, symbol Ti (lat. Titanium, discovered in 1795 and named after the hero of the Greek epic Titan). It has serial number 22, atomic weight 47.90, density 4.5 g/cm3, melting point 1668 ° C, boiling point 3300 ° C.

Source: https://vi-pole.ru/pri-kakoj-temperature-plavitsja-titan.html

Boiling point of titanium. Physical and chemical properties of titanium, production of titanium. Pros and Cons - Legitimate Advice

The most significant for the national economy were and remain alloys and metals that combine lightness and strength. Titanium belongs specifically to this category of materials and, in addition, has excellent corrosion resistance.

Titanium is a transition metal of group 4, period 4. Its molecular weight is only 22, which indicates the lightness of the material. At the same time, the substance is characterized by exceptional strength: among all structural materials, titanium has the highest specific strength. The color is silvery white.

The video below will tell you what titanium is:

Titanium is quite common - it ranks 10th in terms of content in the earth's crust. However, it was only possible to isolate truly pure metal in 1875. Before this, the substance was either obtained with impurities, or its compounds were called titanium metal. This confusion led to the use of metal compounds much earlier than the metal itself.

This is due to the peculiarity of the material: the most insignificant impurities significantly affect the properties of the substance, sometimes completely depriving it of its inherent qualities.

Thus, the smallest proportion of other metals deprives titanium of its heat resistance, which is one of its valuable qualities. A small addition of non-metal turns a durable material into brittle and unsuitable for use.

This feature immediately divided the resulting metal into 2 groups: technical and pure.

• The first is used in cases where strength, lightness and corrosion resistance are most needed, since titanium never loses the latter quality.
• High purity material is used where a material is needed that can operate under very high loads and high temperatures, but is also lightweight. This, of course, is aircraft and rocket engineering.

The second special feature of a substance is anisotropy. Some of its physical properties change depending on the application of forces, which must be taken into account during application.

Under normal conditions, the metal is inert and does not corrode either in sea water or in sea or city air. Moreover, it is the most biologically inert substance known, which is why titanium prostheses and implants are widely used in medicine.

At the same time, as the temperature rises, it begins to react with oxygen, nitrogen and even hydrogen, and in liquid form it absorbs gases. This unpleasant feature makes it extremely difficult to obtain the metal itself and to manufacture alloys based on it.

The latter is only possible when using vacuum equipment. The complex production process turned a fairly common element into a very expensive one.

Relationship with other metals

Titanium occupies an intermediate position between two other well-known structural materials - aluminum and iron, or rather, iron alloys. In many respects, the metal is superior to its “competitors”:

• The mechanical strength of titanium is 2 times higher than that of iron and 6 times higher than that of aluminum. At the same time, strength increases with decreasing temperature;
• corrosion resistance is much higher than that of iron and even aluminum;
• At normal temperatures, titanium is inert. However, when increased to 250 C, it begins to absorb hydrogen, which affects the properties. In terms of chemical activity, it is inferior to magnesium, but, alas, superior to iron and aluminum;
• the metal conducts electricity much weaker: its electrical resistivity is 5 times higher than that of iron, 20 times higher than that of aluminum, and 10 times higher than that of magnesium;
• thermal conductivity is also much lower: 3 times less than iron, and 12 times less than aluminum. However, this property causes a very low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Advantages and disadvantages

In fact, titanium has many disadvantages. But the combination of strength and lightness is so in demand that neither the complex manufacturing method nor the need for exceptional purity stops metal consumers.

The undoubted advantages of the substance include:

• low density, which means very low weight;
• exceptional mechanical strength of both titanium metal itself and its alloys. As temperatures increase, titanium alloys outperform all aluminum and magnesium alloys;
• the ratio of strength and density - specific strength - reaches 30–35, which is almost 2 times higher than that of the best structural steels;
• When exposed to air, titanium is coated with a thin layer of oxide, which provides excellent corrosion resistance.

Metal also has a lot of disadvantages:

• Corrosion resistance and inertness only applies to products with an inactive surface. Titanium dust or shavings, for example, self-ignite and burn at a temperature of 400 C;
• A very complex method of obtaining titanium metal provides a very high cost. The material is much more expensive than iron, aluminum or copper;
• the ability to absorb atmospheric gases when the temperature rises requires the use of vacuum equipment when melting and producing alloys, which also significantly increases the cost;
• titanium has poor antifriction properties - it does not work on friction;
• metal and its alloys are prone to hydrogen corrosion, which is difficult to prevent;
• Titanium is difficult to machine. Welding it is also difficult due to the phase transition during heating.

Next, the composition and structure of titanium are considered.

Titanium sheet

Properties and characteristics

The physical properties of a substance are highly dependent on its purity. The reference data describes, of course, pure metal, but the characteristics of technical titanium may differ markedly.

• The density of the metal decreases when heated from 4.41 to 4.25 g/cm3. The phase transition changes the density by only 0.15%.
• The melting point of the metal is 1668 C. The boiling point is 3227 C. Titanium is a refractory substance.
• On average, the tensile strength is 300–450 MPa, but this figure can be increased to 2000 MPa by resorting to hardening and aging, as well as the introduction of additional elements.
• On the HB scale, hardness is 103 and this is not the limit.
• The heat capacity of titanium is low - 0.523 kJ/(kg K).
• Specific electrical resistivity - 42.1·10-6 ohm·cm.
• Titanium is a paramagnet. As the temperature decreases, its magnetic susceptibility decreases.
• Metal in general is characterized by ductility and malleability. However, these properties are strongly influenced by the oxygen and nitrogen in the alloy. Both elements make the material brittle.

The substance is resistant to many acids, including nitric, sulfuric in low concentrations and almost all organic acids with the exception of formic acid. This quality ensures titanium is in demand in the chemical, petrochemical, paper industries, and so on.

Structure and composition

Titanium, although it is a transition metal and has a low electrical resistivity, is still a metal and conducts electric current, which means an ordered structure. When heated to a certain temperature, the structure changes:

• up to 883 C, the α-phase with a density of 4.55 g/m3 is stable. cm. It is distinguished by a dense hexagonal lattice. Oxygen dissolves in this phase with the formation of interstitial solutions and stabilizes the α-modification - it moves the temperature limit;
• above 883 C, the β-phase with a body-centered cubic lattice is stable. Its density is slightly less - 4.22 g / cubic meter. see. This structure is stabilized by hydrogen - when it is dissolved in titanium, interstitial solutions and hydrides are also formed.

This feature makes the metallurgist's work very difficult. When titanium is cooled, the solubility of hydrogen sharply decreases, and hydrogen hydride, the γ-phase, precipitates in the alloy.

It causes cold cracks during welding, so manufacturers have to use extra effort after melting the metal to clean it of hydrogen.

We will tell you below where you can find and how to make titanium.

This video describes titanium as a metal:

Titanium is very common, so there are no difficulties with ores containing the metal, and in fairly large quantities. The starting raw materials are rutile, anatase and brookite - titanium dioxides in various modifications, ilmenite, pyrophanite - compounds with iron, and so on.

But the technology for melting titanium is complex and requires expensive equipment. The extraction methods are somewhat different, since the composition of the ore is different. For example, the scheme for obtaining metal from ilmenite ores looks like this:

• obtaining titanium slag - the rock is loaded into an electric arc furnace along with a reducing agent - anthracite, charcoal and heated to 1650 C. At the same time, iron is separated, which is used to produce cast iron and titanium dioxide in the slag;
• The slag is chlorinated in mine or salt chlorinators. The essence of the process is to convert solid dioxide into gaseous titanium tetrachloride;
• in resistance furnaces in special flasks, the metal is reduced with sodium or magnesium from chloride. As a result, a simple mass is obtained - a titanium sponge. This technical titanium is quite suitable for the manufacture of chemical equipment, for example;
• if a purer metal is required, they resort to refining - in this case, the metal reacts with iodine in order to obtain gaseous iodide, and the latter, under the influence of temperature - 1300–1400 C, and electric current, decomposes, releasing pure titanium. An electric current is supplied through a titanium wire stretched in a retort, onto which a pure substance is deposited.

To obtain titanium ingots, titanium sponge is melted in a vacuum furnace to prevent hydrogen and nitrogen from dissolving.

The price of titanium per 1 kg is very high: depending on the degree of purity, the metal costs from $25 to $40 per 1 kg. On the other hand, the body of an acid-resistant stainless steel apparatus will cost 150 rubles. and will last no more than 6 months. Titanium will cost about 600 rubles, but will be used for 10 years. There are many titanium production facilities in Russia.

The influence of the degree of purification on the physical and mechanical properties forces us to consider the use of titanium from this point of view. Thus, technical, that is, not the purest metal, has excellent corrosion resistance, lightness and strength, which determines its use:

• chemical industry - heat exchangers, pipes, housings, pump parts, fittings and so on. The material is indispensable in areas where acid resistance and strength are required;
• transport industry - the substance is used to make vehicles from trains to bicycles. In the first case, the metal provides a smaller mass of compounds, which makes traction more efficient, in the latter it gives lightness and strength, it’s not for nothing that a titanium bicycle frame is considered the best;
• naval affairs - heat exchangers, exhaust mufflers for submarines, valves, propellers, etc. are made from titanium;
• in construction - an excellent material for finishing facades and roofs. Along with strength, the alloy provides another important advantage for architecture - the ability to give products the most bizarre configuration; the alloy's ability to shape is unlimited.

Pure metal is also very resistant to high temperatures and retains its strength. The application is obvious:

• rocket and aircraft manufacturing - the casing is made from it. Engine parts, fastening elements, chassis parts and so on;
• medicine – biological inertness and lightness makes titanium a much more promising material for prosthetics, including heart valves;
• cryogenic technology – titanium is one of the few substances that, with decreasing temperature, only become stronger and do not lose their ductility.

Titanium is a structural material of the highest strength with such lightness and ductility. These unique qualities provide it with an increasingly important role in the national economy.

The video below will tell you where to get titanium for a knife:

Source: https://zaksovet.ru/temperatura-kipenija-titana-fizicheskie-i-himicheskie-svojstva-titana-poluchenie-titana-pljusy-i-minusy.html

At what temperature does titanium melt - Metalist's Handbook

Eternal, mysterious, cosmic, material of the future - all these and many other epithets are assigned to titanium in various sources. The history of the discovery of this metal was not trivial: several scientists simultaneously worked on isolating the element in its pure form.

The process of studying the physical and chemical properties and determining the areas of its application has not been completed to date.

Titanium is the metal of the future; its place in human life has not yet been finally determined, which gives modern researchers enormous scope for creativity and scientific research.

Characteristic

The chemical element titanium is designated in D.I. Mendeleev’s periodic table by the symbol Ti. It is located in the secondary subgroup of group IV of the fourth period and has a serial number of 22.

The simple substance titanium is a white-silver metal, light and durable. The electronic configuration of the atom has the following structure: +22)2 )8 )10 )2, 1S22S22P63S23P63d24S2.

Accordingly, titanium has several possible oxidation states: 2, 3, 4; in the most stable compounds it is tetravalent.

Is titanium an alloy or a metal?

This question interests many. In 1910, the American chemist Hunter obtained pure titanium for the first time. The metal contained only 1% impurities, but its amount turned out to be negligible and did not make it possible to further study its properties. The plasticity of the resulting substance was achieved only under the influence of high temperatures; under normal conditions (room temperature), the sample was too fragile.

In fact, scientists were not interested in this element, since the prospects for its use seemed too uncertain. Difficulty in obtaining and researching has further reduced its potential for use. Only in 1925, chemists from the Netherlands I. de Boer and A. Van Arkel obtained titanium metal, the properties of which attracted the attention of engineers and designers around the world.

The history of the study of this element begins in 1790, it was at this time that, in parallel, independently of each other, two scientists discovered titanium as a chemical element. Each of them receives a compound (oxide) of the substance, unable to isolate the metal in its pure form. The discoverer of titanium is considered to be the English mineralogist monk William Gregor. On the territory of his parish, located in the southwestern part of England, the young scientist began studying the black sand of the Menacan Valley.

The result of experiments with a magnet was the release of shiny grains, which were a titanium compound. At the same time, in Germany, chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth isolated a new substance from the mineral rutile. In 1797, he also proved that elements opened in parallel are similar. Titanium dioxide has been a mystery to many chemists for more than a century; even Berzelius was unable to obtain pure metal.

The latest technologies of the 20th century have significantly accelerated the process of studying this element and determined the initial directions for its use. At the same time, the scope of application is constantly expanding. Its scope can only be limited by the complexity of the process of obtaining such a substance as pure titanium. The price of alloys and metal is quite high, so today it cannot replace traditional iron and aluminum.

origin of name

Menakin was the first name for titanium, which was used until 1795. This is exactly what W. Gregor called the new element, based on its territorial affiliation. Martin Klaproth assigned the name "titanium" to the element in 1797. At this time, his French colleagues, led by the fairly authoritative chemist A.L.

Lavoisier proposed naming newly discovered substances in accordance with their basic properties. The German scientist did not agree with this approach; he quite reasonably believed that at the discovery stage it is quite difficult to determine all the characteristics inherent in a substance and reflect them in the name.

However, it should be recognized that the term intuitively chosen by Klaproth fully corresponds to metal - this has been repeatedly emphasized by modern scientists. There are two main theories about the origin of the name titanium. The metal could have been designated this way in honor of the elven queen Titania (a character from German mythology). This name symbolizes both the lightness and strength of the substance.

Most scientists are inclined to use the version of ancient Greek mythology, in which the mighty sons of the earth goddess Gaia were called titans. This version is also supported by the name of the previously discovered element - uranium.

Being in nature

Of the metals that are technically valuable to humans, titanium ranks fourth in terms of abundance in the earth's crust. Only iron, magnesium and aluminum have a high percentage in nature. The highest titanium content was noted in the basalt shell, slightly less in the granite layer. In sea water the content of this substance is low - approximately 0.001 mg/l.

The chemical element titanium is quite active, so it is impossible to find it in its pure form. Most often it is present in compounds with oxygen, and has a valency of four. The number of titanium-containing minerals varies from 63 to 75 (in various sources), while at the present stage of research, scientists continue to discover new forms of its compounds.

For practical use, the following minerals are of greatest importance:

1. Ilmenite (FeTiO3).
2. Rutile (TiO2).
3. Titanite (CaTiSiO5).
4. Perovskite (CaTiO3).
5. Titanium magnetite (FeTiO3+Fe3O4), etc.

All existing titanium-containing ores are divided into placer and basic ores. This element is a weak migrant; it can only travel in the form of broken stones or the movement of silty bottom rocks. In the biosphere, the largest amount of titanium is found in algae. In representatives of terrestrial fauna, the element accumulates in horny tissues and hair. The human body is characterized by the presence of titanium in the spleen, adrenal glands, placenta, and thyroid gland.

Physical properties

Titanium is a non-ferrous metal with a silvery-white color that resembles steel in appearance. At a temperature of 0 0C its density is 4.517 g/cm3. The substance has a low specific gravity, which is typical for alkali metals (cadmium, sodium, lithium, cesium). In terms of density, titanium occupies an intermediate position between iron and aluminum, while its performance characteristics are higher than those of both elements.

The main properties of metals that are taken into account when determining the scope of their application are yield strength and hardness. Titanium is 12 times stronger than aluminum, 4 times stronger than iron and copper, but it is much lighter. The plasticity of the pure substance and its yield strength allow processing at low and high temperatures, as is the case with other metals, i.e., by riveting, forging, welding, and rolling methods.

A distinctive characteristic of titanium is its low thermal and electrical conductivity, while these properties are retained at elevated temperatures, up to 500 0C. In a magnetic field, titanium is a paramagnetic element; it is not attracted like iron and is not pushed out like copper. Very high anti-corrosion performance in aggressive environments and under mechanical stress is unique.

More than 10 years of exposure to sea water did not change the appearance and composition of the titanium plate. In this case, the iron would be completely destroyed by corrosion.

1. Density (under normal conditions) is 4.54 g/cm3.
2. Atomic number - 22.
3. Group of metals – refractory, light.
4. The atomic mass of titanium is 47.0.
5. Boiling point (0C) – 3260.
6. Molar volume cm3/mol – 10.6.
7. The melting point of titanium (0C) is 1668.
8. Specific heat of evaporation (kJ/mol) – 422.6.
9. Electrical resistance (at 20 0C) Ohm*cm*10-6 – 45.

The increased corrosion resistance of the element is explained by the formation of a small oxide film on the surface. It prevents (under normal conditions) chemical reactions with gases (oxygen, hydrogen) found in the surrounding atmosphere of an element such as titanium metal. Its properties change under the influence of temperature. When it increases to 600 0C, a reaction occurs with oxygen, resulting in the formation of titanium oxide (TiO2).

In the case of absorption of atmospheric gases, brittle compounds are formed that have no practical application, which is why welding and melting of titanium is carried out under vacuum conditions. A reversible reaction is the process of hydrogen dissolution in the metal; it occurs more actively with increasing temperature (from 400 0C and above). Titanium, especially its small particles (thin plate or wire), burns in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Titanium is not chemically active with solutions of most alkalis and acids, with the exception of concentrated sulfuric acid (with prolonged boiling), hydrofluoric acid, and hot organic acids (formic acid, oxalic acid).

Place of Birth

Ilmenite ores are the most common in nature; their reserves are estimated at 800 million tons. The deposits of rutile deposits are much more modest, but the total volume - while maintaining the growth of production - should provide humanity with a metal such as titanium for the next 120 years. The price of the finished product will depend on demand and an increase in the level of manufacturability of production, but on average varies in the range from 1200 to 1800 rubles/kg.

In conditions of constant technical improvement, the cost of all production processes is significantly reduced with their timely modernization. China and Russia have the largest reserves of titanium ores; Japan, South Africa, Australia, Kazakhstan, India, South Korea, Ukraine, and Ceylon also have mineral resource bases.

  Pulse anodizing of titanium

The deposits differ in production volumes and the percentage of titanium in the ore; geological surveys are ongoing, which makes it possible to assume a decrease in the market value of the metal and its wider use. Russia is by far the largest producer of titanium.

Receipt

To produce titanium, titanium dioxide is most often used, containing a minimal amount of impurities. It is obtained by enriching ilmenite concentrates or rutile ores.

In an electric arc furnace, the ore is heat treated, which is accompanied by the separation of iron and the formation of slag containing titanium oxide. The sulfuric acid or chloride method is used to treat the iron-free fraction.

Titanium oxide is a gray powder (see photo). Titanium metal is obtained by its step-by-step processing.

The first phase is the process of sintering slag with coke and exposure to chlorine vapor. The resulting TiCl4 is reduced with magnesium or sodium when exposed to a temperature of 850 0C. Titanium sponge (a porous fused mass) produced by a chemical reaction is refined or smelted into ingots.

Depending on the further direction of use, an alloy or pure metal is formed (impurities are removed by heating to 1000 0C). To produce a substance with an impurity fraction of 0.01%, the iodide method is used.

It is based on the process of evaporating its vapors from a titanium sponge pre-treated with halogen.

Areas of application

The melting point of titanium is quite high, which, given the lightness of the metal, is an invaluable advantage of using it as a structural material. Therefore, it finds greatest use in shipbuilding, the aviation industry, rocket manufacturing, and chemical production. Titanium is often used as an alloying additive in various alloys that have increased hardness and heat resistance characteristics.

High anti-corrosion properties and the ability to withstand most aggressive environments make this metal indispensable for the chemical industry. Pipelines, containers, shut-off valves, and filters used in the distillation and transportation of acids and other chemically active substances are made from titanium (its alloys). It is in demand when creating devices operating at elevated temperatures.

Titanium compounds are used to make durable cutting tools, paints, plastics and paper, surgical instruments, implants, jewelry, finishing materials, and used in the food industry. All directions are difficult to describe. Modern medicine often uses titanium metal due to complete biological safety. Price is the only factor that so far affects the breadth of application of this element.

It is fair to say that titanium is the material of the future, by studying which humanity will move to a new stage of development.

Source: https://ssk2121.com/pri-kakoy-temperature-plavitsya-titan/

At what temperature does titanium melt?

Metallurgy is an important branch of modern industry. Pure metals and alloys are used in various fields. Heat-resistant alloys are becoming increasingly popular and are used in the manufacture of parts for aircraft, cars, ships, missiles, and industrial equipment. The melting point of titanium is approximately 1650 degrees Celsius.

Pouring molten titanium into molds

Magnesium-thermal process

Magnesium thermal reduction is a popular method for obtaining metal. Carrying out the technological process:

1. The circulating magnesium condensate melts.
2. The magnesium chloride condensate is drained.
3. At a temperature of 800 degrees, liquid titanium tetrachloride with liquid magnesium is fed into a mold to solidify. Feed rate - 2.1–2.3 g/h cm2.

Gradually the temperature drops to 600 degrees.

Calcium hydride method

This is an industrial method of metal recovery. Work process:

1. At a temperature of 500 degrees Celsius, calcium metal is saturated with hydrogen.
2. Next, it is mixed with titanium dioxide. The components are heated in a retort, gradually increasing the temperature to 1100 degrees.
3. The sintered components are washed out of the retort.
4. Next, treatment is carried out with hydrochloric acid.
5. Titanium powder is dried and baked in induction ovens at a temperature of about 1400 degrees.

The sintered mass should be subjected to a pressure of 10-3 mm.

Electrolysis method

A method for producing an alloy based on the use of electric current. Voltage affects TiO2, TiCl4. Before this, they are dissolved using molten fluoride salts.

Iodide method

Method for obtaining metal after thermal dissociation of TiJ4. Initially, it is obtained by reacting iodine vapor with titanium metal.

To obtain a high purity alloy, it is necessary to use the latter method of obtaining the compound. The first three methods allow you to quickly obtain technical titanium.

Composition and structure

This metal conducts electricity, which indicates the ordered structure of the metal. When heated, the structure of a pure substance changes:

1. Heating up to 900 degrees. A dense hexagonal lattice appears.
2. Heating over 900 degrees. The density decreases, the lattice becomes cubic.

Under normal environmental conditions, its surface is covered with an oxide film.

Characteristics and properties

Titanium is the most durable technical material that is used in various industries. Before you start using this alloy, you need to understand its technical characteristics and properties. Characteristics:

1. Low density. This indicator decreases when heated. Before heating - 4.51 g. cc. Liquid metal has a density of 4.12 g. cc.
2. Melting point is about 1700 degrees.
3. Boiling point is about 3227 degrees.

Mechanical properties of titanium:

1. Tensile strength - 300–450 MPa.
2. The elasticity index of the material is 110.25 GPa.
3. Hardness - 103 HB.
4. Yield strength - 250–380 MPa.
5. Heat capacity - 0.523 kJ.

Electrical characteristics of the alloy:

1. Magnetic susceptibility - 3.2 10-6 G-1.
2. Specific electrical resistivity - 42.1·10-6 ohm·cm.

The chemical properties of titanium determine its high corrosion resistance. An oxide film forms on its surface, which protects the material from moisture. The layer thickness reaches up to 15 microns. The alloy exhibits high chemical activity when exposed to nitrogen. When heated, it reacts with any gases contained in the atmosphere.

This metal is used in the manufacture of medical instruments and prostheses. The dioxide of this material is used in the food industry and cosmetology. It is not added to biological supplements so as not to harm the human body when taken orally.

Titanium is the STRONGEST METAL ON EARTH!

Titanium is a unique alloy that has high strength and low weight. The difficulties of obtaining this material do not cover its strengths, for which it is valued in various areas of industry.

Titan / Titanium. Chemistry - simple At what temperature does titanium melt? Link to main publication

Source: https://metalloy.ru/obrabotka/termo/temperatura-plavleniya-titana

Physical characteristics and properties of one of the hardest metals - titanium

Titan is an element of group 4 of period 4. Transition metal, exhibits both basic and acidic properties, is quite widespread in nature - 10th place. The most interesting for the national economy is the combination of high metal hardness and lightness, which makes it an indispensable element for aircraft construction. This article will tell you about the markings, alloying and other properties of titanium metal, give a general description and interesting facts about it.

In appearance, the metal most closely resembles steel, but its mechanical qualities are higher. At the same time, titanium is lightweight - molecular weight 22. The physical properties of the element have been studied quite well, but they strongly depend on the purity of the metal, which leads to significant deviations.

In addition, its specific chemical properties are important. Titanium is resistant to alkalis and nitric acid, and at the same time reacts violently with dry halogens, and at higher temperatures with oxygen and nitrogen. Even worse, it begins to absorb hydrogen at room temperature if there is an active surface. And in the melt it absorbs oxygen and hydrogen so intensely that the melting has to be carried out in a vacuum.

Another important feature that determines physical characteristics is the existence of 2 phases of the state.

• Low temperature - α-Ti has a hexagonal close-packed lattice, the density of the substance is 4.55 g / cubic meter. cm (at 20 C).
• High temperature - β-Ti is characterized by a body-centered cubic lattice, the phase density is correspondingly lower - 4.32 g / cubic meter. see (at 900C).

The phase transition temperature is 883 C.

Under normal conditions, the metal is covered with a protective oxide film. In its absence, titanium poses a great danger. Thus, titanium dust can explode, the temperature of such an explosion is 400C. Titanium shavings are a fire hazardous material and are stored in a special environment.

Next, we will consider the magnetic, mechanical, chemical and physical properties of titanium, its alloys and their applications.

The video below explains the structure and properties of titanium:

Titanium today is the strongest among all existing technical materials, therefore, despite the difficulty of obtaining and high safety requirements for the production process, it is used quite widely. The physical characteristics of the element are quite unusual, but are very dependent on purity. Thus, pure titanium and alloys are actively used in rocket and aircraft construction, but technical titanium is unsuitable because due to impurities it loses strength at high temperatures.

Metal density

The density of a substance varies depending on temperature and phase.

• At temperatures from 0 to the melting point it decreases from 4.51 to 4.26 g/cubic meter. cm, and during the phase transition it increases by 0.15%, and then decreases again.
• The density of liquid metal is 4.12 g/cubic. cm, and then decreases with increasing temperature.

Melting and boiling points

The phase transition divides all the properties of the metal into qualities that the α- and β-phases can exhibit. Thus, density up to 883 C refers to the qualities of the α-phase, and melting and boiling points refer to the parameters of the β-phase.

• The melting point of titanium (in degrees) is 1668+/-5 C;
• The boiling point reaches 3227 C.

It is one of the most heat-resistant metals known in metallurgy.

The following is a brief description of titanium with technical specifications. mechanical features.

The combustion of titanium is discussed in this video:

Titanium is approximately 2 times stronger than iron and 6 times stronger than aluminum, which makes it such a valuable structural material. The indicators relate to the properties of the α-phase.

• The tensile strength of the substance is 300–450 MPa. The indicator can be increased to 2000 MPa by adding some elements, as well as by resorting to special processing - hardening and aging.

It is interesting that titanium retains its high specific strength even at the lowest temperatures. Moreover, as the temperature decreases, the bending strength increases: at +20 C the indicator is 700 MPa, and at -196 – 1100 MPa.

• The elasticity of the metal is relatively low, which is a significant disadvantage of the substance. The modulus of elasticity under normal conditions is 110.25 GPa. In addition, titanium is characterized by anisotropy: elasticity in different directions reaches different values.
• The hardness of the substance on the HB scale is 103. Moreover, this indicator is average. Depending on the purity of the metal and the nature of the impurities, the hardness may be higher.
• The nominal yield strength is 250–380 MPa. The higher this indicator, the better the products made from the substance resist loads and the more they resist wear. The index of titanium exceeds that of aluminum by 18 times.

Compared to other metals that have the same lattice, the metal has very decent ductility and malleability.

Next, the specific heat capacity of titanium is considered.

Heat capacity

The metal has low thermal conductivity, therefore, in the relevant areas - the production of thermoelectrodes, for example, is not used.

• Its thermal conductivity is 16.76 l, W/(m × deg). This is 4 times less than iron and 12 times less than aluminum.
• But the coefficient of thermal expansion of titanium is negligible at normal temperatures and increases with increasing temperature.
• The heat capacity of the metal is 0.523 kJ/(kg K).

Electrical characteristics

As most often happens, low thermal conductivity also ensures low electrical conductivity.

• The electrical resistivity of the metal is very high - 42.1·10-6 ohm·cm under normal conditions. If we assume the conductivity of silver to be 100%, then the conductivity of titanium will be 3.8%.
• Titanium is a paramagnet, that is, it cannot be magnetized in a field, like iron, but it will not be pushed out of the field, like copper. This property decreases linearly with decreasing temperature, but after passing the minimum, it increases slightly. The specific magnetic susceptibility is 3.2 10-6 G-1. It is worth noting that susceptibility, like elasticity, forms anisotropy and varies depending on the direction.

At a temperature of 3.8 K, titanium becomes a superconductor.

Corrosion resistance

Under normal conditions, titanium has very high anti-corrosion properties. In air, it is covered with a layer of titanium oxide 5–15 microns thick, which ensures excellent chemical inertness. The metal does not corrode in air, sea air, sea water, wet chlorine, chlorine water and numerous other technological solutions and reagents, which makes the material irreplaceable in the chemical, paper-making, and oil industries.

When the temperature rises or the metal becomes very crushed, the picture changes dramatically. The metal reacts with almost all the gases that make up the atmosphere, and in the liquid state it also absorbs them.

The toxicity of titanium is discussed next.

Titanium is one of the most biologically inert metals. In medicine, it is used for the manufacture of prosthetics, as it is resistant to corrosion, lightweight and durable.

Titanium dioxide is not so safe, although it is used much more often - in the cosmetics and food industries, for example.

According to some data - UCLA, research by pathology professor Robert Schiestle, titanium dioxide nanoparticles affect the genetic apparatus and can contribute to the development of cancer.

Moreover, the substance does not penetrate the skin, so the use of sunscreens that contain dioxide does not pose a danger, but a substance that enters the body - with food colorings, biological additives - can be dangerous.

Titanium is a uniquely strong, hard and lightweight metal with very interesting chemical and physical properties. This combination is so valuable that even the difficulties with smelting and purifying titanium do not stop manufacturers.

This video will tell you how to distinguish titanium from steel:

Source: http://stroyres.net/metallicheskie/vidyi/tsvetnyie/titan/fizicheskie-harakteristiki-i-svoystva.html

Properties of space metal titanium: low density, high melting point and corrosion resistance - Machine Tool

Titan is an element of group 4 of period 4. Transition metal, exhibits both basic and acidic properties, is quite widespread in nature - 10th place. The most interesting for the national economy is the combination of high metal hardness and lightness, which makes it an indispensable element for aircraft construction. This article will tell you about the markings, alloying and other properties of titanium metal, give a general description and interesting facts about it.

In appearance, the metal most closely resembles steel, but its mechanical qualities are higher. At the same time, titanium is lightweight - molecular weight 22. The physical properties of the element have been studied quite well, but they strongly depend on the purity of the metal, which leads to significant deviations.

In addition, its specific chemical properties are important.

Titanium is resistant to alkalis and nitric acid, and at the same time reacts violently with dry halogens, and at higher temperatures with oxygen and nitrogen.

Even worse, it begins to absorb hydrogen at room temperature if there is an active surface. And in the melt it absorbs oxygen and hydrogen so intensely that the melting has to be carried out in a vacuum.

Another important feature that determines physical characteristics is the existence of 2 phases of the state.

• Low temperature - α-Ti has a hexagonal close-packed lattice, the density of the substance is 4.55 g / cubic meter. cm (at 20 C).
• High temperature - β-Ti is characterized by a body-centered cubic lattice, the phase density is correspondingly lower - 4.32 g / cubic meter. see (at 900C).

The phase transition temperature is 883 C.

Under normal conditions, the metal is covered with a protective oxide film. In its absence, titanium poses a great danger. Thus, titanium dust can explode, the temperature of such an explosion is 400C. Titanium shavings are a fire hazardous material and are stored in a special environment.

• Next, we will consider the magnetic, mechanical, chemical and physical properties of titanium, its alloys and their applications.
• The video below explains the structure and properties of titanium:

Titanium today is the strongest among all existing technical materials, therefore, despite the difficulty of obtaining and high safety requirements for the production process, it is used quite widely.

The physical characteristics of the element are quite unusual, but are very dependent on purity.

Thus, pure titanium and alloys are actively used in rocket and aircraft construction, but technical titanium is unsuitable because due to impurities it loses strength at high temperatures.

Properties of the space metal titanium: low density, high melting point and corrosion resistance

Space metal, the material of the future, turning dreams into reality - all this is about titanium, silver-white, durable and light. Ranking ninth in prevalence in nature, it has proven itself in the aerospace and petrochemical industries, mechanical engineering and medicine. The miracle metal was even discovered in an unusual way, and the study of its properties helped humanity reach a new level of development.

It all started in 1791, when, independently of each other, simultaneously W. Gregor (England) and M. G. Klaproth (Germany) obtained titanium dioxide , but were unable to isolate the pure substance from it.

Mineralogist and part-time rural priest Gregor studied black ferruginous sand found in the vicinity of his parish.

The result was the extraction of a titanium compound - shiny grains, which were named “menakin” (from the mineral menakanite) to immortalize the Englishman’s native place.

Around the same time, the chemist Klaproth, studying red sands brought from Hungary, found a new substance in the mineral rutile and called it “titanium”. And, a few years later, he proved that rutile and menaken earth are the same compounds. In 1825, the Swedish chemist Berzelius obtained the first sample of titanium metal , but this did not allow progress in the study of properties, since impurities made the sample brittle and unsuitable for mechanical processing.

Only in 1925, Dutch chemists van Arkel and de Boer, using the thermal decomposition of titanium iodide, which was not widely used, obtained a substance with 99.9% purity. Such a metal had ductility; it could be rolled into sheets, wire and foil.

This made it possible to begin a full-scale study of physical and chemical properties, attract the attention of engineers and builders, and outline areas of application.

And already in 1940, the Kroll process for the reduction of titanium tetrachloride with magnesium appeared, which is still successfully used to this day.

Theories about the origin of the name

There are two theories about the origin of the name:

• The first, emphasizing the main properties of titanium metal - lightness and strength, is associated with the name of the character of the German legend - the elven queen Titania.
• Another theory refers to ancient Greek mythology, where the titans were the name given to powerful brothers - deities of the second generation, children of the gods Uranus and Gaia. Echoes of this can be heard in the name of the element uranium.

Titanium occupies an honorable fourth place in terms of content in the earth's crust among metals important for humans, second only to iron, magnesium and aluminum. Its maximum amount is concentrated in the lower, basalt layer, and slightly less in the granite layer. Taking into account the high chemical activity, it is not possible to find titanium in its pure form. The most common are tetravalent oxides, which are concentrated in weathering crust ores and in marine clay.

Today there are up to 75 titanium minerals, and scientists periodically announce the discovery of new forms and compounds. For industrial processing, the following are of greatest importance:

• Ilmenite.
• Leucoxene (an alteration product of ilmenite).
• Rutile.
• Titanite (sphene).
• Perovskite.
• Anataz.
• Titanomagnetite.
• Brookite.

Titanium is a weak migrant; it can only be transported in the form of mechanical fragments of rock or during the movement of colloidal silty layers of reservoirs. The biosphere is characterized by the content of maximum quantities of this metal in seaweed; in animals it is found in wool and horny tissues; in the human body it is present in the thyroid gland, spleen, adrenal glands and placenta.

Deposits of space material

The most common are ilmenite deposits, they amount to about 800 million tons. The reserves of rutile ores are much smaller, but if production continues to grow, all of them can provide humanity for another 100 years.

In terms of titanium reserves, Russia is second only to China and has 20 explored deposits. Most of them are complex, where iron, phosphorus, vanadium and zirconium are also mined.

, the Russian metallurgical company VSMPO-AVISMA is considered the world's largest titanium producer

Extensive deposits are located in South Africa, Ukraine, Canada, the USA, Brazil, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Egypt, Kazakhstan, India and South Korea. They differ in the metal content in the ores and production volumes; geological surveys do not stop. Even on the Moon, reserves of titanium-containing ores have been discovered, some of them tens of times richer than large deposits on Earth. This allows us to hope for a reduction in market prices for the metal and an expansion in the scope of its use.

Titanium is a chemical element of the periodic table, located in group IV of the fourth period. It has an atomic number of 22, a molar mass of 47.867, is designated by the symbol Ti and exhibits oxidation states from 2 to 4, its tetravalent compounds being the most stable. At normal pressure, the melting point of titanium is 1670 ± 2 °C; it belongs to non-ferrous refractory metals and resembles steel in appearance.

Hardness, ductility and yield strength are important parameters for any metal that determine the scope of application. Titanium is 12 times stronger than aluminum, 4 times stronger than copper and iron. It is also much lighter than all of them (the density of titanium is only 4.54 g/cm3) and can be easily processed by welding, riveting, forging and rolling. Important features include low thermal and electrical conductivity, which remain unchanged even at high temperatures.

Titanium exhibits paramagnetic properties: it is not magnetized in a magnetic field, like nickel and iron, and is not ejected, like silver and gold. Its poor antifriction properties are due to adhesion to many materials. The indicators of corrosion resistance and resistance to mechanical stress are unique: titanium plates that have lain on the bottom of the sea for ten years will not undergo changes in appearance and composition, and iron will decompose completely during this time.

Method of obtaining from raw materials

The starting raw material is titanium dioxide, which contains few foreign impurities. To do this, you need a rutile concentrate obtained by ore enrichment.

But its global reserves are small, and titanium slag (synthetic rutile) is more often used, which is obtained by heat treatment - enrichment of ilmenite concentrates in an electric arc furnace.

As a result, iron in the form of cast iron is collected at the bottom of a special bath, and a gray powder remains - slag containing titanium oxide. It is crushed, mixed with coal, briquetted and chlorinated in furnaces, where titanium tetrachloride vapors are formed at 800 °C in the presence of carbon.

Then they are purified and reduced with magnesium in special reactors at 950 °C. A sintered porous mass, a titanium sponge, is formed on the walls, which is calcined in a vacuum to separate it from magnesium compounds.

To produce titanium ingots, the resulting sponge is melted in vacuum arc furnaces. This protects the metal from oxidation and contributes to the final release of impurities.

Finished ingots with a purity of up to 99.7% are used for pressure processing (rolling, stamping, forging).

Main Applications

It is difficult to describe all areas of life where titanium has found a place, but among the main areas we can note:

• The main consumers are the aerospace industry and rocketry. The high melting point and lightness are invaluable advantages of titanium when used as a “flying” structural material. For an airplane, for example, these are ailerons and spars, rotating wing units, pipelines and frames. It is deeply symbolic that the monument to Yu. A. Gagarin, erected in Moscow in 1980, is made of this cosmic metal.
• Shipbuilding also requires lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials. At the end of the 70s of the twentieth century, almost the entire annual production of titanium in the Soviet Union was used to create a nuclear submarine, where it served as the main structural material. The result was a reduction in the weight of the submarine by one third, its paramagnetism, and maximum diving depth and speed under water.
• Titanium plates are used in body armor. The weight of a light bulletproof vest is 4 kg, a heavy one is 10.5 kg. Even one such strip with a thickness of only 5 mm reliably protects against pistol and rifle bullets.
• The metal is indispensable for the needs of the chemical industry due to its anti-corrosion resistance in most aggressive environments and at high temperatures: instruments and pipelines, storage and distillation tanks, filters and shut-off valves.
• To impart hardness and heat resistance to steels, it is used as an alloying additive.
• Titanium alloys are used for the manufacture of cutting and surgical instruments, and jewelry. The metal is not rejected by the human body, so it is used in medicine to create implants.
• Since ancient times, buildings in European cities have been covered with zinc sheets. In the twentieth century, an environmentally friendly and durable material, zinc-titanium, was created for these needs. Its excellent plasticity helps to produce roofs of almost all contours and form any non-standard facade designs.
• It is difficult to imagine the production of building materials, paints, rubber, plastics, paper and food additives without titanium compounds. They are in demand in electrical engineering and can be found in refractory glass and ceramic parts, in the supports of drilling platforms operating in extreme marine conditions, and in home computer cases.

The scope of application of titanium is constantly expanding; it is hampered by the complexity and energy intensity of the process of obtaining the pure substance. This is partly why traditional iron and aluminum still hold a strong position today. Titanium is an expensive proposition.

The price of metal in the form of concentrate is hundreds of times less than the cost of finished products, for example, rolled sheets.

Today, such expenses are not affordable for everyone, so the use of titanium determines the level of economic development and defense capability of the state.

Source: https://tokar.guru/metally/unikalnye-svoystva-metalla-titan-plotnost-i-temperatura-plavleniya.html