Titanium (Ti in the periodic table of elements) was officially discovered in 1791 by the amateur mineralogist, Mr. Gregor. However, its extractive metallurgy being very difficult, it was not until the 1940s that commercially exploitable solutions were established. The generalization of the process of extraction of pure Ti by the Kroll method allowed a start of the titanium industry around 1950.

The chemical compositions and microstructural morphologies of titanium and its alloys are extremely varied. They thus present a large variety of properties such as resistance to corrosion, erosion and fire, biocompatibility, as well as excellent mechanical performances, comparable to those of steel, including ductility, resistance, and toughness. The development of their applications in aeronautics, aerospace and the chemical sector is justified by the precision, lightness and flexibility of the formed parts.

Here is some general characteristics of the titanium material:
 Immune to environmental attack, regardless of pollutants;
 Where many architectural metals exhibit limited lifespan, titanium endures;
 It withstands urban pollution, marine environment, the sulphur compounds in specific industrial areas as well as more aggressive environments;
 Because it is the most noble metal, the coupling of titanium with dissimilar metals does not accelerate galvanic corrosion of the titanium.

 EXCEPTIONNAL HIGH-STRENGHT TO WEIGHT RATIO: Titanium favourable density (approx. ½ that of ferrous and nickel base alloys) means that when equipment costs are calculated on a per unit area of measure basis, rather than per pound, the differential cost of material required narrows dramatically. Especially if we take in account the greater life-expectancy of titanium in severe environments. In other words, about half as much titanium is required to do the same job, based on strength, or the same weight of titanium will go twice as far.

When applied properly, titanium requires no corrosion allowance; pressure and structural requirements for the system are the only criteria for the specific wall thickness. In the same token, titanium forms a very tenacious surface oxide layer, which is an outstanding corrosion inhibitor. In many harsh environments it can outlast competing materials as much as 5:1. Lower failure rate translate to less downtime, reduced maintenance and total lower cost.

In order to find if the titanium material can make a difference for your own specific requirements, do not hesitate to communicate with Metallurgical Resources at (514) 236-5441 or by email at pbelley@metallurgicalresources.com.