What is Titanium? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts
What is Titanium?
Titanium is the 1st element in the 4th column of the periodic table. It is classified as a transition metal. The titanium atom has 22 electrons and 22 protons.
Characteristics and Properties
Under normal conditions, titanium is a hard, light and silvery metal. At room temperature, it may be brittle, but it becomes more ductile at higher temperatures.
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One of the most valuable qualities of titanium is its high strength-to-weight ratio. This means that it is both very strong, but also very light. It is twice as strong as aluminum but only 60% heavier. It is as strong as steel, but much lighter.
Highlights of Titanium:
| Symbol | Ti |
| Atomic Number | 22 |
| Atomic Weight | 47.867 |
| Classification | Transition metal |
| Phase at Room Temperature | Solid |
| Density | 4.506 grams per cm cubed |
| Melting Point | 1668°C, 3034°F |
| Boiling Point | 3287°C, 5949°F |
| Discovered by | William Gregor in 1791. First pure titanium produced by M. A. Hunter in 1910.What is Titanium? |
Where is Titanium found on Earth?
Titanium is not found as a pure element in nature, but is found in compounds that are part of minerals in the earth’s crust. It is the ninth most abundant element in the earth’s crust. The most important minerals for titanium mining are rutile and ilmenite. The main producing countries of these minerals are Australia, South Africa and Canada.
How is Titanium used today?
Titanium is used to alloy various metals such as iron, aluminum, and manganese, where it helps to create strong, lightweight alloys for use in spacecraft, battleships, rockets, and armor. Its resistance to corrosion makes it particularly useful in seawater applications.
Another interesting feature of titanium is that it is biocompatible. This means that it will not be rejected by the human body. This quality, along with strength, durability and light weight, makes titanium an excellent material for medical purposes. It is used in various applications such as hip replacements and dental implants. Titanium is also used in jewelry to make rings and watches.
How was Titanium Discovered?
Titanium was first recognized as a new element by Reverend William Gregor in 1791. The English clergyman enjoyed studying minerals as a hobby. He named the element Menachanite. The name was later changed to titanium by the German chemist M.H. Kalproth. The first pure titanium was produced by the American chemist M. A. Hunter in 1910.
Where did Titanium get its name?
Titanium takes its name from Titans who are Greek gods.
Isotopes
Titanium has five stable isotopes, including titanium-46, 47, 48, 49 and 50. The majority of titanium found in nature is the isotope titanium-48.
Interesting Facts about Titanium
Titanium is the only element that burns in pure nitrogen gas.
Titanium oxide is often used with graphite to make high-end golf clubs and tennis rackets.
Titanium barrels are used to store nuclear waste.
It is found in meteorites, on the Moon, and in some types of stars.
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain is clad in titanium-plated tiles.