Recent advances in novel processing approaches for the production of titanium metal have attracted worldwide interest.Affordable methods to replace the Kroll Process for the production of Ti sponge have been sought for decades.In the early 20th century,Al was transformed from a "precious metal" to a "commodity" through the development of an efficient electrochemical refinement process.If a similar breakthrough can be devised for Ti,it would find applications in many systems where specific properties are being recognized as enabling;for example advanced armored vehicles,corrosion resistant marine systems as well as the usual aerospace platforms.This presentation will provide an overview of the emerging chemical and molten-salt electrochemical methods being pursued under DARPA sponsorship and the implications for new alloy design.The objectives of these studies will be related to the potential benefits for structural applications in future defense systems.
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