Titanium Hydride (TiH₂) powder is an advanced material that plays a vital role in a wide range of industries. Whether you’re working in the aerospace industry, automotive manufacturing, or cutting-edge medical applications, TiH₂ powder offers unique properties and versatility that make it indispensable. But what exactly is TiH₂ powder? Why is it used, and what are its main features?
This guide will provide you with a deep dive into everything you need to know about TiH₂ powder. We’ll explore its composition, characteristics, and how it compares to other metal powders. We’ll also look at its practical applications, and of course, compare pricing and suppliers to help you make the best choice for your specific needs.
What is TiH₂ Powder?
Titanium Hydride powder is a compound formed by combining titanium and hydrogen at specific high temperatures. This powder has unique characteristics that make it ideal for various applications, particularly in the metal powder industry. It’s widely used in areas like powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and even pyrotechnics. TiH₂ powder decomposes to titanium and hydrogen when heated, providing a convenient way to introduce titanium into processes where reducing oxygen or nitrogen contamination is critical.
Let’s dig deeper into the nitty-gritty details of TiH₂ powder and how it stacks up against other materials in terms of performance, versatility, and cost.
Composition of TiH₂ Powder
The chemical composition of TiH₂ powder is fairly simple: it’s composed of titanium (Ti) and hydrogen (H₂). What’s fascinating about TiH₂ powder is how these elements combine to give it properties that are distinct from pure titanium or other titanium compounds.
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Titanium (Ti) | 95-99% |
| Hydrogen (H₂) | 0.7-4.5% |
| Oxygen (O₂) | <0.2% |
| Nitrogen (N₂) | Trace |
| Iron (Fe) | Trace |
The high titanium content ensures that the material retains most of the desired characteristics of titanium—such as high strength and corrosion resistance—while the hydrogen content offers flexibility in metallurgical processes. The trace amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, and iron are carefully controlled to avoid compromising the overall performance of the powder.
Types of TiH₂ Powder
When you’re dealing with TiH₂ powder, you’ll come across different models and grades, each with slightly different properties. Some are designed for specific uses in metallurgy, while others are tailored for additive manufacturing. Below is a detailed list of specific models of TiH₂ powder, each with its unique set of properties.
1. TiH₂-100
- Description: TiH₂-100 is a high-purity titanium hydride powder that is primarily used in metal injection molding (MIM) applications.
- Composition: 99% Titanium, 1% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: Fine particle size, excellent flowability, high reactivity.
- Applications: Metal injection molding, sintering processes.
2. TiH₂-150
- Description: This model is designed for use in pyrotechnics due to its reactive nature.
- Composition: 98% Titanium, 2% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: Medium particle size, highly reactive.
- Applications: Pyrotechnic compositions, fireworks.
3. TiH₂-200
- Description: Primarily used in powder metallurgy.
- Composition: 95% Titanium, 4.5% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: Coarser particles, improved compressibility.
- Applications: Powder metallurgy, metal additive manufacturing.
4. TiH₂-250
- Description: TiH₂-250 is ideal for use in hydrogen storage technologies.
- Composition: 96% Titanium, 4% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: High porosity, optimized for gas absorption.
- Applications: Hydrogen storage, fuel cells.
5. TiH₂-300
- Description: Specifically used in advanced 3D printing technologies.
- Composition: 99% Titanium, 0.7% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: Ultrafine particles, high purity.
- Applications: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing.
6. TiH₂-350
- Description: A specialized grade for cold isostatic pressing (CIP).
- Composition: 97% Titanium, 3% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: High compressibility, uniform particle distribution.
- Applications: Cold isostatic pressing, sintering.
7. TiH₂-400
- Description: This powder is engineered for thermal spray coatings.
- Composition: 98% Titanium, 2% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: Medium reactivity, fine particle size.
- Applications: Thermal spray coatings, surface treatments.
8. TiH₂-450
- Description: Designed for high-temperature metallurgical applications.
- Composition: 96% Titanium, 4% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: High temperature resistance, coarse particles.
- Applications: High-temperature metallurgy, powder injection molding.
9. TiH₂-500
- Description: This grade is known for its use in mechanical alloying.
- Composition: 95.5% Titanium, 4.5% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: Coarse particles, high wear resistance.
- Applications: Mechanical alloying, metal composites.
10. TiH₂-600
- Description: Suitable for advanced ceramics applications.
- Composition: 99% Titanium, 1% Hydrogen.
- Characteristics: High purity, excellent compressibility.
- Applications: Ceramic composites, sintered ceramics.
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Characteristics of TiH₂ Powder
1. Reactivity
TiH₂ powder is highly reactive, especially when exposed to high temperatures. When heated, the powder decomposes, releasing hydrogen and leaving behind pure titanium. This decomposition makes it incredibly useful in applications that require controlled atmospheres or reduced oxygen contamination.
2. Compressibility
One of the key advantages of TiH₂ powder is its excellent compressibility. This feature allows for easy forming into shapes, making it an ideal choice for powder metallurgy and metal injection molding.
3. Particle Size
The particle size of TiH₂ powder can vary depending on the specific grade or model. Fine particle sizes are better suited for additive manufacturing and coatings, while coarser powders are preferred for metallurgical applications.
4. Stability
Despite its reactivity, TiH₂ powder is relatively stable at room temperature. It can be safely stored and transported without the risk of spontaneous combustion or degradation, provided it is kept in dry conditions.
5. Porosity
Many grades of TiH₂ powder exhibit high porosity, making them well-suited for hydrogen storage and other applications that require gas absorption.
6. Density
The density of TiH₂ powder typically ranges from 2.7 g/cm³ to 4.5 g/cm³ depending on the grade. Higher-density powders are generally used for heavy-duty metallurgical applications, while lower-density options are preferred in lightweight composite materials.
Advantages of TiH₂ Powder
1. Versatility
Compared to other metal powders, TiH₂ powder stands out for its wide range of applications. Whether you’re working in pyrotechnics, powder metallurgy, or additive manufacturing, there’s a specific grade of TiH₂ powder that will meet your needs.
2. High Strength
Titanium itself is known for its strength-to-weight ratio, and TiH₂ powder retains much of that strength while offering additional flexibility in manufacturing processes.
3. Corrosion Resistance
Like pure titanium, TiH₂ powder offers excellent resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments, such as aerospace and marine applications.
4. Cost-Effective
Although titanium can be expensive, TiH₂ powder offers a more affordable way to introduce titanium into various processes without the need for costly titanium alloys.
5. Hydrogen Storage
A unique feature of TiH₂ powder is its ability to store hydrogen, which makes it useful for energy applications, particularly in the field of renewable energy.
Applications of TiH₂ Powder
TiH₂ powder’s versatility makes it invaluable in a wide range of industries. Here are some of its most common applications:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Lightweight, high-strength components |
| Automotive | Powder metallurgy, fuel cell components |
| Additive Manufacturing | 3D printing, metal injection molding |
| Energy | Hydrogen storage, fuel cells |
| Medical | Biocompatible implants, surgical tools |
| Pyrotechnics | Fireworks, explosive components |
| Coatings | Thermal sprays, protective coatings |
| Metallurgy | Mechanical alloying, sintering |
Each application benefits from specific properties of TiH₂ powder, such as its strength, reactivity, or compressibility. The ability to choose the right grade for the job ensures optimal performance.
Specifications and Standards for TiH₂ Powder
When choosing a TiH₂ powder, it’s essential to be aware of the various specifications and standards that apply. Different industries have specific requirements, and the quality of the powder can vary depending on these standards.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Purity | 95-99% Titanium, 0.7-4.5% Hydrogen |
| Particle Size | 10-200 microns |
| Density | 2.7-4.5 g/cm³ |
| Standards | ASTM B299, ISO 3252 |
| Moisture Content | < 0.05% |
| Hydrogen Desorption Temp | 400-500°C |
| Storage Conditions | Dry, room temperature, in sealed containers |
These parameters ensure that the powder performs consistently across various applications, and compliance with standards such as ASTM and ISO guarantees quality control.
Suppliers and Pricing for TiH₂ Powder
Now that you know what to look for in TiH₂ powder, where can you get it? Below is a comparison of some of the top suppliers along with their pricing and product offerings.
| Supplier | Price (per kg) | Grade Available | Minimum Order Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Elements | $120 | TiH₂-100, TiH₂-150 | 10 kg |
| Stanford Materials | $110 | TiH₂-200, TiH₂-250 | 5 kg |
| Shanghai Metal Corp | $125 | TiH₂-300, TiH₂-350 | 15 kg |
| Metal Powders USA | $115 | TiH₂-400, TiH₂-450 | 10 kg |
| Advanced Materials | $130 | TiH₂-500, TiH₂-600 | 20 kg |
Prices for TiH₂ powder can vary depending on factors such as purity, particle size, and supplier. Keep in mind that bulk orders may allow for significant discounts.
Pros and Cons of TiH₂ Powder Compared to Other Metal Powders
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High strength-to-weight ratio | More expensive than some other metal powders |
| Excellent corrosion resistance | Requires careful handling to avoid oxidation |
| Versatile across many industries | Limited suppliers for specific grades |
| Efficient for hydrogen storage applications | Slightly lower compressibility than pure titanium |
| Cost-effective alternative to titanium alloys | Higher hydrogen desorption temperatures |
TiH₂ powder stands up well against other metal powders in terms of strength and versatility, but it may not always be the best choice for cost-sensitive applications or where extremely low compressibility is required.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is TiH₂ powder used for? | TiH₂ powder is used in powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, pyrotechnics, and hydrogen storage. |
| How does TiH₂ powder compare to titanium powder? | TiH₂ powder offers better reactivity and flexibility in certain processes, especially those involving hydrogen. |
| Is TiH₂ powder safe to handle? | Yes, but it should be stored in dry conditions to prevent oxidation and hydrogen desorption. |
| How do you store TiH₂ powder? | Store TiH₂ powder in sealed, dry containers at room temperature to avoid moisture exposure. |
| Can TiH₂ powder be used in 3D printing? | Yes, certain grades of TiH₂ powder are specifically designed for additive manufacturing. |
| How does TiH₂ decompose at high temperatures? | When heated, TiH₂ powder decomposes into pure titanium and hydrogen, making it useful in reducing environments. |
Conclusion
Titanium Hydride (TiH₂) powder is a remarkable material with wide-ranging applications across industries. From its high strength-to-weight ratio to its reactivity and hydrogen storage capabilities, TiH₂ powder offers significant advantages in metallurgy, manufacturing, and energy storage. As industries continue to innovate, the role of TiH₂ powder will only grow, offering new possibilities and solutions.
So, the next time you need a high-performance metal powder, consider the unique capabilities of TiH₂ powder—your gateway to stronger, lighter, and more efficient applications.
