Titanium is a very common metal, which has found multiple applications in the world of surgery. You must have come across the term while speaking about dental implants and hip replacements.
Is Titanium Magnetic?
Because these are sensitive surgical procedures, most people are concerned about the safety of the metal used, which is titanium. In this article, we will dig deeper about this metal and clear all your doubts.
A Brief About Titanium
Titanium was discovered in 1791 by William Gregor. It is a commonly occurring metal on the earth’s surface, usually found in mineral deposits. It is a hard, lustrous element with an atomic number of 22.
Its compounds, in the order of applications, are titanium dioxide, titanium tetrachloride, and titanium trichloride.
Properties Of Titanium
Titanium is strong and can be compared to steel but it is lighter than steel, making it a better choice for a few applications.
Ductile- Low density
- Strong
- Metallic-white
- Lustrous
- Refractory
- Paramagnetic
- Low thermal and electric conductivity
- Resistant to corrosion
- Non-toxic
Applications Of Titanium
Besides surgical procedures, titanium has a wide range of applications as a compound or an alloy. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
- Manufacturing pigments for house paints, plastics, paper, enamel, etc.
- Making smoke screens
- Producing polypropylene
- Sunscreens
- Desalination of plants
- Aircrafts and space crafts
- Tooth implants and joint replacements
Is Titanium Magnetic?
If you were to go for a tooth implant or a joint replacement, you would wonder whether titanium is magnetic. The answer is that it is very weakly magnetic and considered non-magnetic. Unless there’s an external magnetic field, it will not show any signs of magnetism.
You can compare it to aluminum, tin, and copper when it comes to magnetism. The reaction is more or less the same.
People Also Ask
1) Is Titanium Okay For MRI?
Yes, the fact that it is non-magnetic makes it a safe choice for MRI.
2) Can Titanium Be Scratched?
Yes, the metal is not scratch-resistant.
3) Will Titanium Set Off A Metal Detector?
No, it won’t.
4) Are All Dental Implants Titanium?
Most of them are. Only if you are allergic to titanium, another metal may be used.
5) What Can Damage Titanium?
Fluoride has the ability to damage titanium.
6) Does Titanium Turn Black?
No, it does not.
Conclusion
Titanium is a strong metal, much like steel. It is non-toxic and not magnetic. This is one of the reasons why it has such a wide range of applications including implants and joint replacements. We hope your questions about this element have been answered. If there are any more, you know what to do – just talk to us!