Titanium alloys are metallic materials primarily composed of titanium combined with controlled additions of alloying elements such as aluminum, vanadium, molybdenum, iron, chromium, and niobium. These additions significantly improve strength, fatigue resistance, heat stability, corrosion resistance, and formability while maintaining titanium’s low density.
Titanium alloys are broadly classified into alpha (α), alpha-beta (α-β), and beta (β) alloys, each offering distinct metallurgical and mechanical advantages.
Chemical Composition (Generalized)
| Element | Role in Alloy |
|---|---|
| Titanium (Ti) | Base metal |
| Aluminum (Al) | α-phase stabilizer, strengthens alloy |
| Vanadium (V) | β-phase stabilizer, improves toughness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | β stabilizer, enhances hardenability |
| Iron (Fe) | Strengthener (limited %) |
| Chromium (Cr) | Improves corrosion resistance |
| Niobium (Nb) | β stabilizer, biocompatibility |
| Oxygen (O) | Interstitial strengthener |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 300 – 1,400 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 200 – 1,200 MPa |
| Elastic Modulus | 105 – 115 GPa |
| Elongation | 5 – 25% |
| Hardness | 150 – 400 HV |
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~4.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1,660 °C |
| Crystal Structure | HCP (α), BCC (β) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 6 – 22 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | 8.5 – 9.5 µm/m·K |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Titanium alloys derive their performance through precise control of α and β phases. Strengthening mechanisms include solid-solution strengthening, precipitation strengthening (in α-β and β alloys), grain refinement, and interstitial strengthening by oxygen and nitrogen.
Thermomechanical processing and heat treatment allow titanium alloys to achieve an exceptional balance of strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance.
Key Characteristics
✔ Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio
✔ Outstanding corrosion resistance
✔ High fatigue endurance
✔ Biocompatible and non-magnetic
✔ Heat treatable (α-β & β alloys)
Available Forms
Plates & sheets
Bars & rods
Tubes & pipes
Forgings & extrusions
Wires & fasteners
Powder for additive manufacturing
Applications
Aerospace
Aircraft structures, jet engines, landing gear
Medical & Biomedical
Orthopedic implants, dental components, surgical instruments
Marine & Offshore
Seawater piping, heat exchangers, offshore fasteners
Industrial & Chemical
Pressure vessels, reactors, desalination plants
Why Choose Titanium Alloy?
Titanium alloys are selected when lightweight construction, corrosion resistance, fatigue performance, and long service life are more critical than material cost.
In simple words:
Titanium alloys outperform steel and aluminum in demanding,
high-performance environments where reliability matters most.