Titanium is a shiny metal that is known for its high strength, low density, and silver color. It is a chemical element (with chemical symbol Ti) that belongs to the transition metal category and has an atomic number 22.
In 1971, titanium was first discovered in the county of Cornwall in Great Britain by British mineralogist and clergyman William Gregor. It was named after the Titans, an archaic race of super deities in Greek mythology, by Martin Heinrich Klaproth.
Since titanium is a metallic element, it possesses physical properties that make it an ideal alloy component in the production of durable but lightweight materials for various purposes.
Despite its low density, titanium has a high strength-to-weight quotient. It also has high melting point, making it a functional refractory metal. It is hard, but not as hard as some heat-treated steels. It has poor electrical and heat conductivity, and is non-magnetic.
Titanium is widely used in the designer jewelry industry due to its durability. It is lightweight, corrosion resistant, dent resistant, and hypoallergenic, so it is the go-to metal in producing rings, watches, and other ornaments.
In the medical field, this particular element is utilized in the manufacture of dental implants, joint replacement components, and other surgical implements. It is non-magnetic so people with titanium implants can undergo magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, without running into any problem.
Because titanium is lightweight and durable, it is a good metal to use in automobile manufacture, especially in vehicles meant for racing. Its minimal weight can maintain its rigidity and strength, so it is utilized to design some parts of high-end cars, such as the titanium exhausts in certain Corvette models.
Chemical industries that require materials that are resistant to corrosion have benefited from the ability of titanium to withstand rust even after exposure to different corrosive media. For this reason, the element is used in making valves, process vessels, tanks, pipes, and other equipment.
Sporting and outdoor goods, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, helmet grills, bike frames, tents, lanterns, eating utensils, and cookware, are also made up of titanium parts.