Spotlight on Titanium: Wire, Foil, Sheet and More for Research
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Titanium combines high corrosion resistance with a low density and good ductility in its commercially pure, annealed state. It melts at about 1,668 °C and can be drawn into fine wire and rolled into foil as thin as 0.005 mm. Its stable surface oxide and favourable strength-to-weight ratio make it useful in research involving physiological fluids, chloride-containing solutions and lightweight, corrosion-resistant components.
This overview looks at the properties that make titanium useful, its research applications, and the forms and purities supplied by Advent Research Materials.
What makes titanium different
Titanium has atomic number 22 and a density of 4.51 g/cm³. Its most useful property is its high resistance to corrosion. When exposed to air or water, titanium forms a thin, protective film of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) on its surface. This passive layer helps protect the metal from further chemical attack and contributes to its resistance to seawater, chloride solutions and many oxidising acids. Its resistance is not universal, however, and hydrofluoric acid and hot, concentrated reducing acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid can attack titanium.
At elevated temperatures, however, titanium can absorb gases including oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, which can harden the surface, reduce ductility and cause embrittlement. High-temperature titanium work is therefore commonly carried out under vacuum or in a controlled inert atmosphere rather than in air.
Where titanium is used in research
- Orthopaedic and dental implants. Commercially pure titanium and its alloys are used in bone-contacting implants because the oxide surface is well tolerated by the body. Research includes how surface treatments affect bone attachment.
- Anodised nanostructures. Anodising titanium foil can produce arrays of TiO₂ nanotubes, which are studied for applications including protein binding, drug delivery and sensing.
- Water splitting and photocatalysis. TiO₂ is widely studied as a photocatalyst, and titanium foil can be used as a substrate for growing it and for testing electrodes.
- Electrodes and electrochemical cells. Titanium can be used as an electrode substrate or current collector, often with a noble-metal or oxide coating.
- Corrosion-resistant hardware. Titanium rod and plate can be machined into cell bodies, sample holders and fixtures for use in corrosive or physiological media.
Related reading on our site: titanium wire in orthopaedic implants, nanotube size and protein binding, and titanium foils in water splitting.
Choosing the right form
Advent supplies titanium in nine forms. The most suitable form depends on the dimensions, shape and mechanical properties required for the application.
- Foil: from 0.005 mm to 0.5 mm thick. Gauges from 0.005 mm to 0.015 mm are hard temper, and gauges from 0.025 mm are annealed. Suited to anodising and thin electrodes.
- Ribbon: 0.025 mm thick, annealed, at 99.8+% purity.
- Disc: 0.15 mm thick, annealed.
- Sheet: from 1.0 mm to 3.5 mm thick, annealed. Includes a 1.0 mm sheet polished on one side.
- Plate: from 6 mm to 13 mm thick, annealed.
- Wire: from 0.05 mm to 1.6 mm diameter, all annealed. Fine wire suits electrodes and leads.
- Insulated wire: 0.25 mm bare titanium wire with PTFE insulation.
- Woven mesh or gauze: 60 mesh per inch, twill weave, made from 0.229 mm wire with a 0.196 mm aperture.
- Rod: from 2 mm to 60 mm diameter, annealed, with finishes that vary by size.
Annealed titanium is softer and more ductile, making it easier to form. Hard-temper material has greater hardness and strength but reduced ductility.
Choosing the right purity
Advent's titanium products are listed at several purity levels, depending on the form and size. Most foil, sheet, plate and disc, along with the larger wire and rod sizes, are listed as 99.6+% (Grade 2).
Finer wire (0.05 mm to 0.4 mm, and 0.8 mm) and the insulated wire are listed as 99.8% (Grade 1). The 0.5 mm wire is available in both Grade 1 and Grade 2 specifications.
The ribbon and 2 mm rod are 99.8+%, the woven mesh 99.86+%, and one 4 mm rod 99.5+%.
Grade 1 and Grade 2 are standard designations for commercially pure titanium, and they differ in the permitted oxygen and iron content. For research where material composition is an important part of the experimental specification, check the purity and form of the individual product before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Why is titanium so corrosion resistant?
Titanium forms a thin protective oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air or water. This passive layer helps prevent further corrosion in many environments, including seawater and physiological fluids, although titanium can be attacked under specific conditions, including exposure to hydrofluoric acid and hot, concentrated reducing acids.
Can titanium be heated in air?
Titanium can be exposed to air at lower temperatures, but at elevated temperatures it can absorb oxygen and nitrogen. This can change its mechanical properties and cause embrittlement. Vacuum or a controlled inert atmosphere is therefore normally preferred for high-temperature titanium work.
Which titanium form is suitable for anodising?
Titanium foil is commonly used for growing anodic TiO₂ nanotube layers, and other forms can also be anodised. The required thickness, geometry and surface condition will depend on the application.
Can I order other titanium sizes or purities?
Some titanium sizes and specifications may be available to order specially. Contact Advent Research Materials with your required form, dimensions and purity to discuss your requirements.
Buying titanium for research purposes? Contact the Advent Research Materials team to discuss forms, purity and availability: |