Titanium production technology scenario - An overview

Abstract

Titanium, in spite of its abundance and numerous favourable properties, is not in use to the extent it deserves. This is due to its prohibitive cost compared to other structural metals such as steel or aluminum. This article presents a review on the various approaches towards developing alternative technologies to the existing Kroll's process. With a brief introduction on the occurrence, properties and various current applications of the metal, a detail analysis of various aspects of the alternative processes along with their merits and demerits are discussed. The electrolytic methods involving direct reduction of titanium dioxide have been concluded as the most promising alternatives.