ABSTRACT
The development of titanium as an engineering metal in the latter half of the twentieth century was driven by the requirements of aerospace constructors for a strong metal with a high strength to weight ratio. This chapter presents chemical characteristics and corrosion behaviour of pure titanium. Titanium and its alloys are more resistant than most metals to synergistic actions of stress and corrosion. The behaviour of titanium in mixed metal systems is significant because its engineering applications may require contact with metallic components of different composition either for economy or to meet design requirements. Titanium resists strongly oxidizing inorganic acids and most organic acids in high concentrations and at high temperatures. Titanium alloys are formulated for general purposes and to meet the requirements of specific applications, especially aerospace, marine and medical applications. The resistance of titanium and its alloys to corrosion in non-oxidizing acids can be improved by alloying with very small additions of the noble metals palladium or ruthenium.
