For a long time, "titanium" seems to be a kind of "artifact". As long as you wear the word "titanium", it can often be sold at a price several times higher than that of similar products, and even a titanium alloy insulation cup can easily cost thousands of yuan.
The range of products with the words "titanium" is also very wide, from a mobile phone to an insulation cup, to airplanes and submarines.
What exactly is "titanium"? Why does everyone like to use it to make products? Why is its price so high? Next, let's take a look at it.
"omnipotent" titanium
At present, titanium is widely used in various fields and plays an important role in production and life. It is often alloyed with other metals, such as aluminum, vanadium, copper, magnesium, molybdenum and so on. Next, let's take a look at where this "magical" titanium will appear.
Aerospace
Titanium alloy has high heat resistance and good corrosion resistance, and its strength is equal to that of steel, but the density of titanium alloy is lower, which is nearly half lighter than that of steel with similar strength. it is often used in rocket engine casing and rocket nozzle casing. the shell of a satellite and the cabin of a manned spacecraft.
biomedical science
Titanium alloy has the advantages of high strength, corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance, and its mechanical properties are close to that of human bone. Moreover, titanium alloy is the only metal that does not affect the autonomic nerve and taste nerve of the human body. therefore, titanium alloy is widely used in the medical field, including the manufacture of medical devices, prostheses or artificial organs implanted into the human body.
Industrial manufacturing
Titanium is also popular in industrial production, such as intake valves, exhaust valves, retaining rings, wheel bushings, bearings and other automotive accessories. In addition, titanium is not found in tanks and missiles in the military industry. Small to sprint shoes, kitchen utensils. There is also titanium.
Why is titanium so expensive?
At the beginning of the article, we mentioned that the price of products associated with "titanium" is often several times higher than that of other materials. Why? As the saying goes, "rarity is precious". Is it because titanium is so rare that the price of titanium is so high? In fact, this is not the case. The content of titanium in the earth's crust is as high as 6/1000, making it the 10th largest element in the earth's crust, and its storage is 61 times that of copper. So, what is the reason why the price of titanium products remains high?
Mining is difficult
Although the content of titanium is very rich on the earth, its distribution is relatively scattered, which greatly increases the difficulty and cost of mining ilmenite.
Take China as an example, the concentration of titanium placer resources in China is low, and at present, most of them are non-governmental mining, so it is difficult to form large-scale development and utilization. At the same time, the titanium placer in some seaside areas contains radioactive elements, which further increases the difficulty of mining.
It is difficult to process
Titanium ore can be used as raw materials to extract sponge titanium, and then to the forming plate, it needs to go through dozens of working procedures and more than two smelting steps, and the steps are numerous and complicated, and the conditions such as melting speed, composition, current and voltage are extremely demanding, which increases the difficulty of processing.
In addition, due to the soft texture and lively properties of pure titanium, a passivation layer with low thermal conductivity will soon be formed on the surface after contact with air. therefore, the melting of titanium needs to be carried out in vacuum or inert gas environment, and the requirements of machining technology and welding technology are very high.
Exuberant demand
With the continuous progress of science and technology, titanium products are gradually coming into our lives. Titanium material has become the preferred material in various industries because of its lightness and corrosion resistance. It not only changes the weight and performance of traditional products, but also injects more convenience and comfort into our lives.
In the outdoor field, titanium products are more and more widely used. Titanium tableware is a necessary product for outdoor enthusiasts. It is not only light and easy to carry, but also has excellent corrosion resistance and can resist adverse environmental conditions. In addition, titanium kettles, titanium stoves and other products are also favored, they are not only light and durable, but also provide a fast and efficient cooking experience, making outdoor life more convenient and comfortable.
In the field of sports, titanium products are gradually becoming the new favorite of sports enthusiasts. Titanium alloy bicycle frame has become the goal of cycling enthusiasts because of its light and sturdy characteristics. It can not only reduce the cycling burden and improve the cycling efficiency, but also has excellent corrosion resistance and prolong the service life of the frame. In addition, titanium alloy golf clubs, tennis rackets and other products are also loved by sports enthusiasts, they not only have excellent performance, but also provide a better batting experience, making the sport more enjoyable and exciting.
In the medical field, titanium products are used more and more widely. Titanium alloy artificial joint is an important choice for joint replacement, which has the characteristics of good biocompatibility and strong corrosion resistance, and can provide stable support and lasting fixation for patients. In addition, titanium alloy dental implants, titanium surgical instruments and other products are also widely used in the medical field to provide patients with better treatment results and quality of life.
Scientific and technological progress has not only changed our way of life, but also changed our requirements for products. Titanium products are gradually coming into our lives and bringing us more convenience and comfort because of their lightness and corrosion resistance. Whether it is outdoor products, sports equipment or medical equipment, titanium products show great potential and broad prospects. Let's look forward to more surprises and changes brought by the progress of science and technology.
