As a metal, titanium is recognized for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is a strong metal with low density that is quite ductile, lustrous, and metallic-white in color. Commercially pure (99.2% pure) grades of titanium have ultimate tensile strength of about 434 MPa (63,000 psi), equal to that of common, low-grade steel alloys, but are less dense. Certain titanium alloys (e.g., Beta C) achieve tensile strengths of over 1,400 MPa (200,000 psi). Titanium is 60% denser than aluminium, but more than twice as strong as the most commonly used 6061-T6 aluminium alloy. Titanium is paramagnetic and has fairly low electrical and thermal conductivity compared to other metals.
Like aluminium and magnesium, the surface of titanium metal and its alloys oxidizes immediately upon exposure to air to form a thin non-porous passivation layer that protects the bulk metal from further oxidation or corrosion. This layer gives titanium excellent resistance to corrosion against oxidizing acids. The metal exhibits two allotropic forms: a hexagonal close-packed α form and a body-centered cubic β form, transitioning between them at 882 °C (1,620 °F).
Titanium metal is used in automotive and motorcycle racing where low weight and high strength and rigidity are critical. Some late model Corvettes have been manufactured with titanium exhausts, offering weight reduction and performance gains https://www.aeroflowdynamics.com/blogs/news/c8-z06-exhaust-guide-stainless-steel-vs-titanium-which-sounds-better.
Titanium alloys have a high tensile strength to density ratio, high corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, high crack resistance, and ability to withstand moderately high temperatures without creeping. These properties lead to their use in aircraft, armor plating, naval ships, spacecraft, and missiles. For these applications, titanium is alloyed with aluminium, zirconium, nickel, vanadium, and other elements to manufacture components including critical structural parts, landing gear, firewalls, exhaust ducts (helicopters), and hydraulic systems. About two thirds of all titanium metal produced is used in aircraft frames and engines. The titanium 6AL-4V alloy accounts for almost 50% of all alloys used in aircraft applications. The Lockheed A-12 and the SR-71 "Blackbird" were two of the first aircraft frames where titanium was used. Modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 (116 metric tons of raw mill products), Airbus A380 (77 metric tons), Boeing 777 (59 metric tons), and Airbus A340 (32 metric tons) incorporate significant amounts of titanium mill products. In aero engine applications, titanium is used for rotors, compressor blades, hydraulic system components, and nacelles.
Titanium is also used in many sporting goods, including tennis rackets, golf clubs, lacrosse stick shafts, cricket, hockey, lacrosse, and football helmet grills, and bicycle frames and components. Titanium is used in spectable frames, backpacking cookware and eating utensils, and horseshoes. Some upmarket lightweight and corrosion-resistant tools, such as shovels, knife handles and flashlights, are made of titanium or titanium alloys.
Because of its durability, titanium is used in some designer jewelry, such as titanium rings. Its inertness makes it hypoallergenic. Titanium is also alloyed with gold to produce an alloy that can be marketed as 24-karat gold, which is roughly the hardness of 14-karat gold and more durable than pure 24-karat gold. Titanium's durability, light weight, and dent and corrosion resistance make it useful for watch cases. Titanium may be anodized to vary the thickness of the surface oxide layer, causing optical interference fringes and a variety of bright colors. With its variable coloration and chemical inertness, titanium is a popular metal for body piercing.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most common compound of the element, being the end point of 95% of the world's refined titanium. It is a widely used white pigment, also used in cement, in gemstones, and as an optical opacifier in paper. Paint made with titanium dioxide performs well in severe temperatures and marine environments. Titanium dioxide is used in sunscreens because it reflects and absorbs UV light. Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), a colorless volatile liquid, is important as an intermediate in the process of making TiO2 and is also used to produce the Ziegler–Natta catalyst. It is also used to iridize glass and to make smoke screens because it fumes strongly in moist air.
Formula 1 racing utilizes titanium components, including connecting rods https://www.f1technical.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27372.