Other metals
Facts about other metals: Titanium, tin and zinc
Titanium
- Titanium is element number 22 and has been known to man since 1791.
- Titanium is known for being extremely hard and strong. It is as strong as steel but far lighter.
- Titanium has a shiny, high-gloss finish.
- It is possible to anodise and colour titanium.
- There is very little titanium in the crust of the Earth compared to other metals in everyday use, such as aluminium and copper.
- Applications: Golf clubs, aeronautics, implants, medical equipment and gears.
Tin
- Tin is element number 50.
- Tin is a soft and flexible metal with a low melting point.
- As tin is easy to mould, it has been used for figures and the like for many years e.g. in the form of tin soldiers and other children’s toys.
- Tin is widely used as a coating for other metals to protect them from oxidation. This is called tin coating.
- As the melting point of tin is low, it can be used to advantage as a soldering material.
Zinc
- Zinc is element number 30.
- Zink is widely used as a coating for other metals such as iron to prevent corrosion. This is known as galvanising.
- When zinc comes into contact with air, a stained appearance forms on the surface.
- Zinc is easily recyclable.
- Zinc is widely used for gutters, roof constructions, building fronts and outdoor decoration.