Anodized titanium is a common surface treatment for titanium that has been used in a wide variety of applications. It has been proven that the corrosion resistance and insulating properties of titanium are significantly enhanced by anodizing, while the surface has a wide variety of colors and is highly distinguishable. The simplicity and low cost of the titanium anodizing process has led to the expansion of the prospects of titanium anodizing in various industries over the past two decades.
This blog will introduce the working principle of titanium anodizing, types of titanium anodizing, how to anodize titanium, colors of titanium anodizing, applications and some common FAQS.
Anodized Titanium Working Principle
Titanium anodizing is actually an electrochemical process. In this process, the titanium workpiece is connected to a DC power source as an anode and immersed in a specific electrolyte. When the current passes through, the water molecules undergo a hydrolysis reaction and decompose into hydrogen and oxygen. With the action of the electric potential, oxygen is attracted to the titanium surface and reacts with titanium to form a dense titanium oxide film (TiO₂).
Ti+2H 2O＝TiO 2+4H ++4e
Anodized Titanium Type
The two common types of titanium anodizing are Type 2 and Type 3, which meet different performance requirements and application scenarios by controlling the voltage and composition of the electrolyte solution.
Type 2:
The voltage for Type 2 anodizing is usually controlled between 15-30V. In this voltage range, the anodizing process for titanium is primarily designed to produce a thicker film layer of titanium oxide (TiO₂), which enhances the wear, corrosion and other mechanical properties of titanium. This type of anodized surface usually has no significant color change and maintains the original metallic tone of the titanium. Due to its enhanced surface properties, Type 2 anodized titanium products are more resistant to environmental corrosion and are able to withstand harsh working conditions, and are therefore widely used in aerospace components, such as aircraft structural parts and engine components.
Type 3:
Different from Type 2, Type 3 anodizing typically uses higher voltages, ranging generally between 50-120V. By adjusting the voltage, different thicknesses of oxide layers can be formed on the titanium surface, which will also show rich color variations. Different voltages not only affect the thickness of the oxide layer, but also determine the color of the surface, with common colors including gold, blue, purple and green. In addition to enhancing the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of titanium, the color effect of Type 3 anodizing makes this treatment particularly suitable for decorative and consumer products, such as jewelry, eyeglass frames, automotive accessories, electronics, etc., to provide an aesthetic and personalized appearance.
How To Anodize Titanium?
Surface Pretreatment
First, the surface of titanium and its alloys needs to be cleaned with a strong alkaline degreaser to remove residual grease and dirt. These impurities, if not removed, will affect the effectiveness of the anodizing process and may lead to uneven coloring or defects in the oxide layer, thus affecting the appearance and performance of titanium products.
Surface Retreatment
After the surface pretreatment, the titanium surface needs to be polished. By polishing, the surface finish can be effectively improved. The smoother the surface is, the more uniform the oxide film formed after anodizing, and the final coloring effect will be richer and more perfect.
Anodic Oxidation
The pre-treated and polished titanium and its alloy plates are used as anode, immersed in electrolyte containing 1% weight concentration of phosphoric acid, and subjected to DC constant voltage treatment. With the gradual increase of voltage, the oxide film on the titanium surface will gradually thicken and show colorful color changes. The voltage adjustment will directly affect the thickness and color of the oxide film to achieve different performance and aesthetic effects.
Sealing treatment
In order to improve the corrosion resistance, anti-pollution and wear resistance of the oxide film, the titanium parts need to be sealed after anodizing. Usually, the titanium parts are immersed in hot deionized water or nickel acetate solution to close the pores of the oxidized film, prevent the penetration of pollutants and improve the overall performance of the film layer.
Drying
Once the sealing process is complete, the surface of the titanium part needs to be wiped with a clean cotton cloth and then allowed to dry naturally. This step ensures that there is no residual moisture on the titanium surface and that it is ready for subsequent use or packaging.
Titanium Anodizing Color
The color change after titanium anodizing is caused by the reflection and interference of light on the surface of the oxide film, and the depth of the color depends on the voltage in the oxidation process and the thickness of the oxide layer. Due to the different thickness of the oxide film, the color of titanium surface can be varied from light to dark, and the customers can make DIY anodizing titanium color according to their needs.
<40V: silver white
40V-60V: champagne gold color
60V-120V: as the voltage rises, the titanium surface color changes to gold, green and blue.
＞120V: purple color
During the oxidation process, the thinner oxide film usually shows light blue or light yellow, while the thicker oxide film may show rich colors such as purple, green, gold and even black.
Some of the more popular titanium anodizing colors currently on the market include:
Yellow anodized titanium
Rose gold anodized titanium
Bronze anodized titanium
Black anodized titanium
Anodized Titanium Application
In daily life, titanium anodizing applications have become very widespread, bringing not only beautiful appearance but also improved corrosion resistance and durability to many common items. Below are some common titanium anodizing applications:
Anodized titanium chopsticks: not only have corrosion resistance, but also have a stylish appearance, suitable for daily use.
Anodizing titanium bike frame: Due to the lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties of titanium, the anodized titanium bike frame not only prolongs the life of the bike frame, but also makes the bike frame show colorful colors.
Anodized titanium nose ring: with its unique color and biocompatibility, it has become a popular accessory, especially in ear and nose accessories.
Anodized titanium screws: titanium screws are commonly used in high-end machinery and aviation equipment, and anodizing can further improve their corrosion resistance and visual effect.
Anodized titanium cookware: Titanium anodized cookware is more durable and has high corrosion resistance, suitable for high temperature cooking.
Anodized titanium jump rings: Widely used in jewelry and handicrafts, anodizing provides a rich choice of colors and increases artistry.
Anodized titanium muzzle brake: titanium anodizing enhances its resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, ensuring stable performance under extreme conditions.
Anodized titanium knife: Titanium knives have good corrosion resistance and lightweight properties, and the anodized surface enhances wear resistance while increasing visual appeal.
Anodized titanium key ring: Durable and colorful, the titanium key ring is a stylish and practical personal accessory.
Anodized titanium necklace: Titanium anodized necklaces have a strong visual impact while avoiding metal allergies.
Medical applications:
In the medical field, titanium anodized color variations have practical applications. Different colors can help medical personnel quickly identify different medical parts, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of operations. This color coding method is widely used in titanium medical implants, surgical tools and equipment components.
Aerospace and Marine Applications:
Titanium anodizing is also widely used in aerospace and marine applications. Titanium’s resistance to corrosion and high temperatures makes it an ideal material, and anodizing further enhances its performance in extreme environments. As a result, it is widely used in aircraft components, spacecraft equipment, and corrosion-resistant devices in marine engineering.
Art Deco and Architecture:
The special colors and finishes of titanium anodizing create a very unique visual impact in the field of architecture and art decoration. Titanium’s durability and wide range of colors make it the material of choice for building facades, interiors, artistic sculptures and other projects. Anodized titanium is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also remains stable in outdoor environments for long periods of time, resisting the effects of weather and pollution.
FAQ
1. Does anodization wear off titanium?
Under normal conditions of use, titanium anodizing will not wear rapidly. Excessive friction, improper cleaning with caustic chemicals or high temperatures can cause wear of the titanium anodizing.
2. Does anodized titanium tarnish?
No, it would not tarnish.
3. Is anodized titanium safe for piercings? or is anodized titanium good for piercings?
Yes, it is good and safe for anodized titanium piercings.
4.How to remove anodizing from titanium?
Surfaces can be directly polished or removed using an acidic solution.
5. What is heat anodizing titanium temperature?
Suitable temperature is 160-180℃.
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