Chemical analysis of Titanium samples and of Titanium alloys : one of FILAB’s specialties
Titanium and its alloys
Titanium is metal with numerous positive qualities : Thermal and mechanical resistance, resistance to corrosion, biocompatibility, etc. Titanium is therefore used in very many industrial applications including the medical field. TA6V alone makes up 50% of the titanium alloy market.
For over 30 years, FILAB laboratory has been providing metallurgical analysis of titanium samples with high added value, some of which were provided under ISO 17025 accreditation.
Alloy grades
There are many titanium alloys, but the most widely used in industry are TA6V
TA6V
TA6V (Ti-6Al-4V) is a titanium composed of 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. The aluminium improves strength and reduces ductility. Vanadium increases ductility. This composition gives it a very good strength/density ratio and fairly good weldability.
TA6V Eli (Extra-low Interstitial) has the same composition as TA6V. Implantable and biocompatible, it must comply with medical standards ISO 5832-3 and ASTM F136 (wrought products for surgical implants). It is mainly used in the medical sector (surgical and dental implants).
T40
T40 is pure titanium with a few additional elements (oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, iron). It is used in industry for its balance of ductility, cold formability and strength. The weldability of this alloy is excellent.
Composition of TA6V titanium
TA6V, also known as Grade 5, is a titanium alloy composed mainly of 90% titanium, enriched with 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination gives the alloy specific properties, including light weight, high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. The aluminium increases rigidity and reduces density, while the vanadium improves resistance to deformation and fatigue. The alloy may also contain traces of elements such as oxygen, nitrogen and iron, the proportions of which must be strictly controlled to guarantee the quality and performance of the material.
Why analyze titanium and its alloys?
Whether to guarantee resistance in extreme conditions or to prevent failure, the analysis of titanium and its alloys, such as TA6V, is an essential step in any industrial application:
- Quality assurance: analysis is used to check the chemical composition of alloys, their mechanical strength and their compatibility with specific environments, such as exposure to high temperatures or corrosive media.
- Safety and compliance: analysis ensures that materials comply with regulatory standards, such as ISO, ASTM or industry-specific requirements.
- Optimisation of industrial processes : by identifying the key properties of titanium, it becomes possible to adjust manufacturing processes or improve the performance of finished products.
FILAB carries out your titanium and titanium alloy analysis using state-of-the-art equipment
Our expertise
Analysis of the chemical composition and control of titanium alloy grades, including TA6V
Hydrogen determination on titanium samples according to ASTM E1447
Chemical characterization of titanium medical devices in accordance with ISO 10993-18
Our analytical facilities dedicated to titanium alloy analysis
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX)
What are the industrial issues with titanium ?
Titanium alloys present a number of issues that need to be addressed to ensure their optimum use in industrial environments:
- Complex machining : titanium is difficult to work due to its hardness, requiring specialised equipment and adapted processes, which can lengthen production times.
- Risk of contamination : during processing, titanium can easily absorb foreign elements, which can alter its mechanical, chemical or structural properties, compromising its final performance. Contamination of titanium can occur during processes such as machining, welding, heat treatment or forging, notably through contact with tools, unsuitable lubricants, or exposure to elements such as oxygen, nitrogen or hydrogen.
- Fragility at low temperatures : some alloys can become more brittle at extremely low temperatures, requiring rigorous analysis to determine their suitability for a given environment and use.
- Compatibility with other materials : when combined with other metals or in composite structures, testing is essential to prevent phenomena such as galvanic corrosion.
To see further : our expertise in titanium alloys...
In addition to routine titanium analysis, the FILAB laboratory can provide you with expert metallurgical analysis and failure studies on your titanium-based samples: TA6V , T40
Our analysis and failure studies
Metallographic examination of a titanium alloy
Thickness measurement of titanium metal part coatings
Analysis and characterization of surfaces (roughness, defects, etc.)
Material conformity according to the standards
Analysis of welds on ASTM F136 and ISO5832-3 titanium
Ageing studies (corrosion, surface deterioration, etc.)
FAQ
TA6V, a titanium alloy known for a number of specific features :
- Lightness and strength : TA6V combines low density with high mechanical strength, making it a first-rate choice for applications requiring lightweight yet robust materials.
- Corrosion resistance : this alloy is particularly suited to wet, salty or chemical environments, especially in the marine and medical industries.
- Biocompatibility : due to its excellent tolerance by the human body, TA6V is widely used for medical implants and prostheses.
Excellent thermal resistance: TA6V retains its mechanical properties at high temperatures, making it ideal for aircraft and turbine parts.
The thermal conductivity of TA6V titanium is relatively low, at around 6.7 W/m-K at room temperature. This makes it a poor material for heat dissipation, but ideal for applications requiring thermal insulation, such as aerospace and medical applications. This thermal behaviour can influence welding and machining processes, requiring precise temperature control to avoid residual stress and distortion.
The microstructure of TA6V titanium is two-phase, composed mainly of α (hexagonal compact) and β (cubic centred) phases. The α phase offers excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, while the β phase improves ductility and facilitates forming. This combination is essential for applications requiring lightness, strength and adaptability to industrial processes such as forging or welding.
Oxidation of TA6V titanium begins at 500°C and above in air, forming a layer of oxide (TiO₂) that can alter the mechanical properties of the material. To limit this, it is advisable to use a controlled atmosphere (argon or vacuum) during thermal processes, or to apply protective coatings such as titanium nitride. These precautions are particularly important in aerospace and additive manufacturing processes.
The average hardness of TA6V titanium is 36 HRC (Rockwell) or approximately 349 HV (Vickers). These values vary slightly according to heat treatments or manufacturing processes, such as annealing or forging. This hardness, combined with its light weight, makes it the alloy of choice for applications where wear resistance and durability are essential, such as in medical implants or aerospace structural components.
To avoid contamination, it is advisable to use specific tools made of non-ferrous materials, compatible lubricants and to work in controlled environments. During welding or heat treatment, the use of an inert atmosphere is essential to limit the introduction of oxygen, hydrogen or nitrogen, which can weaken the material and compromise its mechanical properties.
The laboratories use advanced techniques to precisely quantify the major elements (titanium, aluminium, vanadium) and impurities, such as oxygen or nitrogen, which have a direct impact on the performance of titanium alloys.
The main challenge lies in the detection of very low concentration impurities, such as hydrogen or oxygen, which require specialised equipment to ensure maximum accuracy. In addition, titanium is highly reactive with oxygen, which can complicate analysis if strict protocols (inert atmosphere or vacuum) are not followed.
