What is the prospect of titanium industry?

Because of its low density (4.5 1g/cm3), high strength (some can reach 1000MPa), high specific strength and excellent high and low temperature properties, titanium and its alloys are widely used in aviation, aerospace and other industries, and become indispensable structural materials in the military industry. In addition, titanium and its alloys have excellent comprehensive properties such as corrosion resistance in many chemical media, which have been widely accepted by civil industries such as petroleum, chemical industry, medicine, sports, etc., and gradually replaced various metal materials, and jumped to the third place in the use of metal materials in a short time.

1789 discovered titanium, 1908 Norway and the United States began to produce titanium dioxide by sulfuric acid method, 19 10 produced sponge titanium in the laboratory for the first time, and 1948 DuPont produced sponge titanium by magnesium method, which marked the industrialization of sponge titanium.

The reaction process is as follows: TiO2+Cl2 → TiCl4.

Titanium tetrachloride+magnesium → titanium

It can be seen that the production process of titanium involves highly toxic chemical medium chlorine (chemical weapon in World War II) and precious metal magnesium, and the reaction process requires a lot of energy, which is also the reason why titanium is expensive. The titanium material smelted by this process cannot be used for production, because it is still porous and looks like a sponge, which is called sponge titanium. Sponge titanium will be put into a vacuum consumable electric arc furnace to smelt titanium ingots, which will be used to produce plates, bars, tubes and other forms of titanium materials.

China is rich in titanium resources and relatively concentrated in minerals. Converted into titanium dioxide, its total reserves reach more than 9 billion tons, ranking first in the world. Titanium ore is mainly distributed in Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and other provinces, of which Panzhihua region accounts for 35% of the world's total reserves. However, compared with the main producing areas of titanium ore in the world, there are few natural rutile (TiO2) resources in China, and there are few placers that are easy to develop and utilize. Titanium ore is mostly the source rock of Ti-V-Fe * * ore, and the initial cost of beneficiation and metallurgy is high. Speaking of which, it is necessary to mention a story. At the beginning, the slag after steelmaking at Pangang was piled up in a corner of Pangang. It has not been found for a long time that this slag actually contains precious metal titanium. Later, I went to Panzhihua Iron and Steel Company to inspect and proposed to buy our slag, which made our country pay attention to the specific features of Panzhihua Iron and Steel Company slag. Of course, I refused Japan.

China's titanium industry began in 1950s. 1954, Beijing nonferrous metals research institute began to study the preparation technology of sponge titanium. In 1956, the state listed titanium as strategic metals in 12 development plan. 1958 realized the industrial test of sponge titanium in Fushun aluminum plant, established the first sponge titanium production workshop in China, and established it in Shenyang nonferrous metal processing plant at the same time.

1980 or so, the output of sponge titanium in China reaches 2800 tons. However, most people didn't know enough about titanium at that time, and the high price of titanium limited the application of titanium. The output of titanium processed materials was only about 200 tons, so the titanium industry in China was in trouble.

By the end of 2003, the annual production capacity of sponge titanium in China was 4,000 tons, including 3,000 tons in Zunyi Titanium Plant (the expansion project was basically completed in 2005, with an annual output of more than 5,000 tons) and 0/10,000 tons in Fushun Titanium Plant. Due to the strong demand for titanium in China's sustainable national economy in recent years, the above two plants can produce at full capacity, with a total output of more than 4,000 tons in 2003 and 4,809 tons in 2004.

In 2002, China imported 2 147 tons of titanium sponge, exported10/ton and imported 2 136 tons. In June 2003, China imported 2609.9 tons of sponge titanium, exported 72.7 tons and imported 2534.2 tons.

In 2002, China produced 3328 tons of sponge titanium, and actually sold 3079 tons; In 2003, China produced 4 1 12 tons of titanium sponge and sold 4 128 tons. However, due to the large-scale development of international chemical industry and aerospace industry, the international titanium material has been in short supply, which has led to the crazy rise of titanium material in China since 2002.

The distribution of titanium output of major titanium processing enterprises in China in 2002 in different fields is shown in the following table:

Sales distribution of titanium products of major titanium processing enterprises in China in different fields (%)

The production capacity of titanium processing materials depends on the production capacity of titanium ingots, that is, the total tonnage of vacuum consumable electric arc furnaces owned by the state. China basically has a titanium ingot production capacity of 20000 t/a, and basically has a production capacity of 14000 t/a based on 70% titanium.

According to preliminary statistics, China actually produced about 6,000 tons of titanium in 2003, accounting for about 10% of the world's total output. It can be seen that China's titanium processing industry is not very developed and needs time and investment.

At present, the titanium processing and manufacturing industry in China reflects the geographical pattern of "three points in the world":

Northwest China with Baoji as the center. Headed by Baoji Nonferrous Metals Processing Factory and its holding Baoji Titanium Industry Co., Ltd., this area has formed a titanium processing and manufacturing base with the highest degree of specialization, the most systematic processing equipment and the most product specifications in China. Titanium in Northwest China is mainly supplied to national military production departments and civil equipment production departments, and some of it is exported to famous companies such as Boeing, McDonnell Douglas and Rolls-Royce.

Northeast Titanium Processing and Equipment Manufacturing Group is mainly composed of Shenyang Nonferrous Metal Processing Factory, Fushun Special Steel Plate Co., Ltd. and Shenyang Dongfang Titanium Industry Co., Ltd. There are many small and medium-sized enterprises in this area, and titanium equipment manufacturing is quite active. As the Northeast is the old heavy industry base of China, there is no shortage of talents. What is lacking is the ability to strengthen management and comprehensive organization, especially with the support of local preferential policies, which will also form a certain climate.

The Yangtze River Delta Titanium Processing and Equipment Manufacturing Group is mainly composed of Baosteel Group Shanghai Wugang Co., Ltd., Nanjing Baoti Zhonghui Group Co., Ltd. and Zhangjiagang Hongda Steel Pipe Factory. The processing capacity of nonferrous metal equipment in the Yangtze River Delta region can already reflect China's strength in this respect. Every year, a large number of non-ferrous metal equipment with reliable quality is exported, and some enterprises with successful quality and management have entered the door of military manufacturing. Although there is no large-scale military production, it can fully explain our manufacturing ability and the prospect of titanium application in the military.

Around 2005, China's single-machine production capacity of sponge titanium and titanium processed materials reached the basic economic scale of 5,000 tons/year. Revitalizing the 5,000 tons/year sponge titanium project planned in Northeast China can basically realize the long-cherished wish of several generations of titanium industry workers in China, and will surely make China a powerful country in titanium industry.

There are only four countries in the world that can complete two complete systems of titanium ore-metallurgy-processing-titanium equipment manufacturing and scientific research-design-application: the United States, the Soviet Union/Russia, Japan and China. This is also a model of modern metallurgical industry. The following table can reflect the recent situation of some major titanium manufacturers in the world.

As can be seen from the above table, the main titanium producers are developed countries and countries of the former Soviet Union (except China), and the particularity of titanium production technology makes countries with insufficient funds in a dilemma. Titanium, as the metal that dominates the world aviation industry, is becoming a tool for some countries to seek the dominance of the world aviation. As you all know, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently ordered the merger of several major Russian aircraft manufacturers to form the United Aviation Manufacturing Group. This is only the first step for the Russian people to seek aviation dominance. Then the Russian media revealed that the Russian Defense Export Corporation was negotiating with titanium alloy giant Avisma for equity acquisition. This shows that in the current international situation, Russia not only talks big about energy emissions, but also uses the Anda Line and the Anna Line to tie China and Japan together for fun and extend its claws to the strategic field of rare metals in an attempt to create artificial conditions for Russia's rise!

As Avisma is the largest material supplier in the world's aircraft manufacturing industry (supplying 35% of Boeing's titanium and 50% of Airbus's titanium), in addition to supplying 250,000-450,000 tons of Boeing's products (including magnesium alloys) every year, it is necessary to increase the share of deep-processed products. At the same time, Russia also has cooperation projects with Boeing and Airbus (new aircraft R&D and manufacturing companies). It is not difficult to see Russia's ambition to turn material advantages into chips for technology transfer. I have provided loan guarantee to Sukhoi Company to ensure the smooth progress of its RRJ regional aircraft development plan. I think if a regional plane is so exciting, nine times out of ten, it is not aimed at China's ARJ2 1, but Russia's pre-war training behavior, which shows that Vienna's rising heart is very strong.

Second, the application of titanium in national defense industry

(1). Application of titanium in China's national defense industry.

Whether in the United States or Russia, its titanium material is mainly used in aircraft manufacturing and shipbuilding. In recent years, these two fields in China have developed rapidly, new aircraft are being mass-produced, and many projects are being studied. It is estimated that the amount of titanium used in these two fields will increase greatly, and it is also reported that more titanium alloys are used in our F 10. Some time ago, some netizens posted pictures of China's new titanium alloy hood and titanium alloy connector of the wing of Qiangwu fighter on the website of Iron Blood. It can be seen that China has already matured in the use of titanium alloys. Over time, the application of our titanium alloy can also make the aerospace industry advance by leaps and bounds. In the space field, China's first large-scale all-titanium ultraviolet space telescope has also been manufactured and tested, and titanium alloys have broad application prospects in the space field (see the figure below).

Each titanium alloy has its own uses. It is well known that titanium alloys are used in aircraft manufacturing and aerospace industry, especially in social life and mechanical industry, such as spectacle frames, golf clubs and super sports bicycles. However, little is known about its application in the army and navy, and there are not many related articles and explanations. The following are some applications of high-performance titanium alloys in China's national defense industry.

1. Engine industry:

Titanium 5Al2.5Sn high strength titanium alloy-gear sleeve, engine housing, blade cover

Titanium 8Al 1Mo 1V high temperature titanium alloy-engine blade, gyro dome, inner skin

Heat treatment of titanium alloy 6Al4V (tensile strength ≥895MPa) strengthened the blades and impellers of titanium alloy core machine.

2. Aviation industry:

Titanium alloy strengthened by titanium 6Al2Sn-Fasteners, guides and important structures

Titanium 4AlMo 1V titanium alloy-aircraft skeleton

Titanium Sn5Zr 1Mo titanium alloy-landing gear, aircraft bearing frame, fasteners

3. Aviation and aerospace industry

Titanium alloy 1m 13 15- rocket disk and missile base components

Titanium Alloy 1m 1550- Missile Power Blade Sleeve

Titanium Alloy T-A6V—— The Main Material of Spacecraft

4. Military industry

China has successfully developed 83- 1 and 83-2 mortars. Titanium alloy is widely used in 83- 1 82 mortar, which reduces the weight of the whole gun to 18. 1 kg, making it extremely convenient for small units such as squads and platoons to carry out assault warfare.

Titanium A7D——A New Forging for Mechanical Analysis of Armored Vehicles

Titanium A6Z5W—- Anti-tank rocket (missile), surface-to-air missile cover and other components with high creep resistance requirements.

Titanium1m1551-High-speed rotating parts of armored vehicles.

5. Naval industry

LT4 1 Titanium Alloy-Large Area Skin of Ship

3.7 1 14 titanium alloy-excellent weldability and formability, suitable for all kinds of watertight compartments.

Titanium V 13CA titanium alloy-honeycomb hull, load-bearing frame

The application prospect of titanium alloy in ships is very broad. This is related to the strength and toughness of titanium alloy, and also to the corrosion resistance. Titanium is extremely stable in seawater, so it can basically be considered that the hull will not be corroded, which can not only reduce the maintenance cost, but also reduce the weight of the hull, which is a great benefit to the ship. In addition, two points need to be mentioned: First, titanium is nonmagnetic, which is very helpful for resisting magnetic detection. As for what is a magnetic mine, it is not worth worrying about. Second, it has a natural fusion with advanced marine composite coatings. The stealth composite material to be used in the future has a disadvantage that it reacts with the high-strength special steel used in previous ships. Due to the potential difference, galvanic couples are easily generated in seawater, which accelerates corrosion. This kind of thing has been tested on 052, and it won't take long to rust, but these coatings can be perfectly combined with titanium alloy.

(2) Application of titanium in national defense industry of other countries.

Titanium and its alloy structural parts are used in many weapons and equipment retired, in service or under research in the world. With the change of modern war mode, the rapid mobility of modern troops is very prominent, so for the army, it needs to rely on the ability of transport aircraft to achieve rapid mobility, which requires the army's already heavy equipment to be as light as possible. For example, now all countries hope that their guns can be transferred to another place quickly and effectively to achieve strategic or tactical purposes, which will inevitably make the development of titanium alloys in the field of artillery bright. For example, the M777 light howitzer in the United States, due to the use of titanium alloy shell, the total combat weight has been reduced to 3. 175 tons, and it can be airlifted by V22 or C 130 to achieve the ability of rapid maneuvering. Similarly, the UFH ultralight 155 mm gun used in Britain 1 ton titanium alloy is less than 4 tons. This is especially true in the field of air force and naval equipment. The following are some typical examples of successful application of titanium alloys:

① Aircraft titanium data (blank consumption is not indicated)

At the annual meeting held in Orlando, USA in June 2002, the International Titanium Association released the following new data on titanium for aircraft:

1. The first super-large passenger plane Airbus A380, which is planned to come out in 2004, uses 45t/ frame -65t/ frame titanium; (see the picture below)

2. Boeing passenger aircraft, titanium consumption accounts for 15%- 17% (net weight) of its total weight;

3.F 15 fighter, with 5.75t titanium for structure and 5t titanium for two jet engines; (see the picture below)

4.F22 fighter (under development), with 36t titanium for structure and 5t titanium for two engines; (see the picture below)

5. The jointly developed F35 fighter is made of titanium 10t, with 5t single engine; (see the picture below)

6.F 18 carrier-based fighter, titanium consumption accounts for 12%- 13% of its total weight (net weight); (see the picture below)

7.C- 17 large transport aircraft, titanium consumption accounts for10% of its total weight (net weight); (see the picture below)

8. European EF2000 will reduce the amount of titanium and use composite materials. (see the picture below)

This shows the important position of titanium in the world aerospace field, especially in engine manufacturing and airframe manufacturing.

As mentioned above, Russia's intention to strengthen the control of strategic rare metal titanium has attracted the attention of the United States. After all, titanium is used in the next generation of American fighters in a very large proportion. If the Russian Defense Export Corporation controls most of Avisma's shares, the international titanium alloy price will inevitably rise, so there are uncertainties in the F-22 and F-35 projects. Therefore, Timet, the largest titanium manufacturer in the United States, recently came to China to seek a potential partner, hoping to find a similar Russian supplier in the China market, or set up a joint venture company to use titanium produced in China in projects in the United States. The price is very advantageous and the quality is reliable, which can be said to be very helpful for future projects of the US F-22 and F-35. (makes me depressed ~ ~ ~)

It is rare that the global material supply has such a prominent impact on the national defense industry. This is the first time since the shortage of steel in World War II, so the prices of F-22 and F-35 will depend on the future supply of titanium.

Nowadays, the global economy has gradually stepped out of the trough, and the international aviation industry has begun to show a recovery growth. With this wave, the international titanium industry has also ushered in a new period of rapid growth, and China enterprises will also usher in new opportunities. (Sad or happy? )

In recent years, it is the beginning of the upgrading of the fourth generation fighters. In the following years, many new soldiers entered the army every year. The choice of new fighters is very particular and forward-looking. In the next few years, the military and aviation industries will inevitably become the largest users of titanium.

Mold recently announced the concept of a new type of unmanned attack aircraft carried by submarines. "Cormorant" is an unmanned fighter with a length of 5.8 meters and a wingspan of 4.86 meters. Cormorant is a conceptual design put forward by the famous Lockheed Martin skunk factory. Because its access channel is mainly seawater, the whole machine is made of titanium alloy to prevent corrosion. The total takeoff weight is less than 4 tons, and it can carry 453 kilograms of payload. It is mainly used to launch from the strategic missile launcher of Ohio-class nuclear submarines and to destroy coastal targets. The air inlet of the machine is located in the nose and is triangular. Due to the use of titanium alloy, its fuselage is extremely strong and can withstand the pressure of 150 feet water depth. And in order to prevent external pressure instability, unnecessary space inside the machine body is filled with special plastic. In order to increase the concealment of flight, its shape also adopts complex stealth design. Cormorant's maximum flying speed is expected to reach 880 km/h, cruising speed is 550 km/h, maximum flying altitude is 10.7km, operational radius is 926 km, and it can last for 3 hours. The excellent quality of titanium is vividly reflected! (see the picture below)

(2) Application of titanium in navy.

Titanium is also widely used in the navy, mainly in Soviet/Russian submarines.

"Acura" class attack nuclear submarine: "Acura" class adopts water drop type, double shell and titanium alloy inner layer. Designed by the famous "Malachite" submarine design bureau of the Soviet Union and manufactured by Qingcheng Shipyard and North Devinsk Shipyard. (see the picture below)

Serra-class attack nuclear submarine: Russia's Serra-class (also called S-class) multi-purpose attack nuclear submarine. It can be said that it is the most mysterious one in Russia's complex nuclear submarine family. The main reason is that the Serra class boat adopts titanium alloy double hull, which is impressive in deep diving, high speed, strong firepower and good stealth performance. But the cost is very expensive, nicknamed "goldfish", and only four ships were built. (see the picture below)

As for the pinnacle of titanium in submarines, I still think it should be awarded typhoon class: the Soviet Union built six typhoon-class submarines, and the typhoon was the first one. The "Typhoon" class is special in that it has a set of independent navigation and combat systems such as torpedoes, missiles and power plants. The double-shell structure is adopted, and the reserve buoyancy is about 32%. The distance between the two shells exceeds 3 meters, which enhances the ability of underwater explosion and collision. Each typhoon-class ship uses about 9000 tons of titanium, which is equivalent to the total titanium output of China in one year! It can be seen how huge the investment in the army during the Soviet period was. (see the picture below)

Soviet/Russian titanium-clad nuclear submarines, such as Alpha class, have not yet formed a certain climate, so they will not be described. Titanium on submarine is not only used for shell, but also for submarine pipeline and condenser. At present, almost all condensers on submarines and surface ships are made of titanium. It can be said that in the service life of submarines and ships, it is generally not necessary to replace titanium condensers, which can save maintenance costs on the one hand, and will not reduce the attendance rate because of condenser failure on the other.

Because of the price and output of materials, there are few reports that submarines in other countries use titanium shells.

There is no doubt about the properties of titanium and its alloys. The metallurgical process of various titanium alloys is also very routine for big countries, just considering the cost. With the development of economy, the special requirements of national defense can also be guaranteed, so titanium and its alloys will usher in rapid development in the future civil and military fields. At the same time, titanium and its alloys will greatly improve the performance of some special equipment.

The future of titanium and its alloys is immeasurable!