Titanium vs. Stainless Steel
Oxygen atoms and chloride ions are easy to substitute for the passive film of stainless steel, and metal chloride which is easily soluble in water is produced. And the film of that part will dissolve in water and will be lost. Also, since the radius of the hydratable chloride ion is small, it easily passes through the fine pores of the surface coating (the film is dissolved in water and lost), and if it passes it will rust.
Thus, stainless steel is not corrosion-resistant to chloride ions.
In contrast, since the oxide film of titanium is stable against chloride ions, it also shows extremely high corrosion resistance even in chloride solutions. Titanium is also corroded to reducing acids (such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid), but it is stabilized by adding a small amount of oxidizing agent.
Titanium Uses and Applications
You’ll find titanium piping in power plants, desalination plants, off-shore drilling platforms, and in everyday private and commercial structures and factories. Titanium is found in many everyday objects in the home as well. It is also less prone to rust and corrosion than other metals and alloys.
The military and aerospace engineering firms use titanium parts in aircraft, weapons, and vehicles to handle extremely high temperatures and rust and corrosion resistance. Titanium is found in various car parts such as mufflers and exhaust pipes and much outdoor gear such as hunting knives, fishing reels and poles, golf clubs, air rifles, and air pistols.
Due to its biocompatibility, Titanium is used extensively in the human body, as hip and knee implants, pacemaker cases, dental implants, and craniofacial plates, to name a few specific medical applications.
Today, Titanium has become a more popular metal for daily use.
