Titanium alloy

Titanium alloys are metals containing a mixture of titanium and other chemical elements. This alloy has very high tensile strength and toughness (even at extreme temperatures). They are lightweight and have extraordinary corrosion resistance and extreme temperature resistance. However, the high cost of raw materials and processing limits their use in military applications, aircraft, spacecraft, bicycles, medical equipment, jewelry, high-stress components, such as connecting rods on expensive sports cars, and some high-quality sports equipment and consumer electronics.

Although "commercially pure" titanium has acceptable mechanical properties and has been used in orthopedic and dental implants, for most applications, titanium is alloyed with small amounts of aluminum and vanadium, typically 6% and 4% by weight, respectively . The mixture has solid solubility, which changes significantly with temperature, subjecting it to precipitation strengthening. This heat treatment process is carried out after the alloy is processed into the final shape but before it is put into use, which makes it easier to manufacture high-strength products.