Using Titanium in Fashion and Apparel
Over the past few years, more and more industries have come to rely on titanium to develop sophisticated products. Today, people can buy titanium rings along with other types of jewelry and eyewear that will last for decades. The metal is paving the way for smart clothing, with titanium dioxide nanoparticles being added to clothing for various benefits.
Titanium Jewelry
Designers from all over the world choose titanium to create unique statement pieces. From a practical standpoint, it's worth mentioning that titanium is an inert metal, which means it doesn't come into contact with the skin. For this reason, titanium jewelry is an appropriate choice for those who suffer from allergies. With these considerations (chemical inertness) in mind, even body piercings are now made of titanium.
Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion, which means it can be worn in other corrosive environments (e.g. water - swimming pools). It can be alloyed with gold, and due to the reduced percentage of titanium in this alloy, it is also sold in 24-karat gold. In terms of hardness, the alloy is comparable to 14-karat gold. However, when it comes to durability, it is more durable than 24 karat gold (pure).
Titanium is known to have a natural grey color. However, when it is anodized, it can turn into different colors. The various shades depend on the thickness of the surface oxide layer, and the color is actually given by optical interference.
The iridescent sheen is one of the main reasons why titanium is often the first choice for high-end jewelry collections. The metal is light and strong, and the spectrum of colors is really welcome. Although quite difficult to make, designers rely on titanium to create lighter jewelry pieces (titanium is much lighter than gold).
In the late 1980s, avant-garde jewelry designers began working with titanium. The metal exhibits a unique optical phenomenon when anodized, with colors reminiscent of the elegant shades of beautiful dragonfly wings or peacock feathers. Titanium jewelry always impresses in brilliant metallic colors, while also being a bio-friendly option.
Titanium is stronger and lasts longer than stainless steel. For example, titanium rings are generally more popular than stainless steel rings, although they can be a little more expensive. Again, it's important that titanium is skin friendly because it doesn't mix with allergenic metals. People with sensitive skin and prone to allergies can wear titanium rings and other types of jewelry without worrying about these issues.
Titanium and clothing
You might not expect titanium to be used in the fashion industry, but the truth is that the metal is more versatile than intended. Various fabrics and textiles are coated with titanium, including leather (natural and man-made). Titanium can be used as an agent to reduce the brightness of different fibers such as spandex, acrylic or nylon. In shoes, titanium can be used as a whitening agent.
Apparel manufacturers have begun to apply titanium dioxide nanoparticles to a variety of items. These have been incorporated into various textiles to protect clothing from sun damage. Thanks to this protective layer, these clothes are also guaranteed to enhance the protection of the skin (as they reflect UV rays).
In electrostatically charged fabrics, such as synthetic fabrics - polyester, nylon - the same technology is used. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles can conduct electricity, thereby dispersing charges. We are entering the era of smart fabrics, with nano-coatings for clothing. In the future, more and more fabrics will be made of nanofibers. Manufacturers want nanoparticles and nanofilaments to be an integral part of fabric weaving.
A nickel-titanium alloy has been used in smart textile prototypes. Fabrics developed with this alloy are able to change their shape and percentage of elasticity. These are modern shape memory alloys that could be used in the future to develop clothes with adaptive capabilities. These can include medical and protective equipment, but also sporting goods.
The new alloy, called Nitinol, can change its shape over a wide temperature range and is surprisingly elastic. However, its high price point means that it is currently only used to develop unique products. Nitinol filaments can be used in protective equipment to protect the body from high temperatures (surroundings).
Titanium and glasses
Titanium glass frames are all the rage in modern times, appreciated for their light weight and comfort. When developing these innovative frames, manufacturers may only use titanium or rely on titanium alloys (containing iron, aluminum or other metals).
Why Consider Titanium Glasses? Because these will last a long time and are really worth the investment. Titanium frames are recommended for people with sensitive skin as they are not allergenic. Also, since titanium doesn't corrode easily, they certainly won't rust. They are flexible, hold their shape when bent, and require very little maintenance.
Other uses of titanium
Titanium is appreciated for its durability and light weight, and is used to create elegant cases. More recently, ornaments and sculptures are made of titanium. Designers have even considered developing furniture that incorporates elements such as titanium.
Even coins are made of titanium. In 1999, to celebrate its millennium, Gibraltar issued a coin made entirely of this metal. In Australia, medals made of titanium are awarded to outstanding rugby players. However, these are only secondary uses of titanium
