New Titanium Gold Alloy Four Times Stronger Than Pure Titanium

[Steve Herschbach]

A new titanium/gold alloy has been discovered that is harder than many steels, with promising applications in the medical field. And possibly a factor in gold prices if it comes into widespread use.

https://www.rdmag.com/article/2016/07/hybrid-titanium-alloy-could-build-durable-prosthetics

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-36855705

[GB_Amateur]

This is way cool, for multiple reasons.

1) under the "everything isn't known" category, here are two long ago recognized and studied metals being alloyed to make something completely previously unknown.

2) when one is asked "why is gold so valuable?", even though its inert (non-reactive) qualities have long been recognized and appreciated, the reality is that its rarity (rarest element on earth with a non-radioactive isotope), artistic value, and effectively monetary 'aura' (look up the origin of that word!) are the real reasons.  But tulip bulbs come to mind....

3) although this article emphasizes the medical application, and for good reason, what is to keep this from being a contributor to other metallurgic applications?  Titanium is a space age metal because of its low density and high strength/weight ratio.  Making it even stronger...  Let your imagination take it from there.

Bottom line:  any new industrial use for gold is going to increase its value.  Fire up those detectors.

 

 

 

[beatup]

great article Steve,thanks for posting it

[Rege-PA]

At a 4 to 1 ratio a new hip or knee joint could be quite valuable. Maybe something that would be recycled after the persons life.

[Hobo]

 

What would the specific gravity be? Would it still be a light weight metal?

[Chris Ben]

Fascinating!

Chris