Discovered in 1791 by Reverend William Gregor, an English chemist and mineralogist. It was named after the Titans of Greek mythology by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, who also discovered Titanium in the same year.
Titanium is being used in a variety of fields including medicine, sports, marine and aerospace.
Titanium is known for its high strength to weight ratio. Titanium is as strong as steel but about 42% lighter. It is 60% heavier than aluminum, but two times as strong. Titanium also has a high level of corrosion resistance. Due to its light weight properties, titanium is used in retail products from eyeglasses to premium golf clubs and other sports equipment. Titanium is used for high quality jewelry such as watches and rings due to its hypoallergenic properties. For those who are sensitive or allergic to other metals such as gold, silver or nickel, titanium offers an alternative. Its silver color is similar to that of sterling silver, but titanium does not tarnish.
Titanium alloys are bio-compatible with the human body and thus are used for orthopedic implants, including artificial hips, dental implants, bone implants and pacemakers.
Titanium is used for aircraft, bicycles, knives, robots, jewelry and rockets where light weight and strength and the ability to tolerate extreme temperatures are necessary. Titanium has excellent resistance to sea water and is used in the marine industry and also for structures for ocean drilling and many parts that are exposed to salt water.
Titanium is used more and more every day for applications where light weight and high strength are required.
