1. Characteristics of Titanium Material in Architectural Applications

1.1 Low Density, High Strength

Pure titanium has a density of 60% of steel, offering weight reduction advantages in steel-supported titanium panel designs, meeting lightweight construction requirements.

As a lightweight material, it reduces structural loads and simplifies hoisting.

Mechanical properties ensure durability, seismic resistance, and bending strength, resisting damage from earthquakes or storms.

Titanium is an excellent thermal insulator (thermal conductivity: 10 BTU/h·ft·°F, 1/10 of aluminum), enhancing building energy efficiency.

1.2 Low Thermal Expansion Coefficient

Titanium’s thermal expansion coefficient is 50% of stainless steel and 30% of aluminum, aligning with glass, concrete, brick, and stone.

Enables seamless roof designs without expansion joints.

Thermal stress is half that of stainless steel and one-third of aluminum.

1.3 Mechanical and Processing Properties

Pure titanium (Grade 1/2) offers moderate strength and superior weldability, ideal for roofs and cladding.

Ti-15-3 alloy provides high strength for structural beams and supports.

Easily processed into thin sheets without deformation. Compatible with standard metalworking tools (cutting, forming, machining).

TIG welding and self-healing oxide film ensure joint integrity.

Surface treatments: etching, embossing, spinning, sandblasting, electroplating, perforation.

1.4 Superior Corrosion Resistance

A stable 10–21 nm oxide layer resists urban pollution, seawater, chemicals, UV radiation, acid rain, and stress corrosion.

Immune to pitting and crevice corrosion.

1.5 Environmental Compatibility

Fully recyclable, non-polluting, and compliant with green building standards.

No metal ion leakage, unlike other metals exposed to corrosive environments.

Example: Scheepvaartmuseum (Amsterdam) uses titanium cladding.

1.6 Long Service Life

Initial material cost is higher, but 100-year lifespan with minimal maintenance reduces lifecycle costs.

Widely used in Japan for over 25 years, solving corrosion issues in coastal and industrial zones.

1.7 Natural Surface Aesthetics

Naturally lustrous with color variations via oxidation (no coatings required).

Anodizing adjusts oxide thickness for colors: silver (<10 nm), gold (12 nm), brown (20 nm), blue (35 nm).

Surface finishes range from matte to glossy. Color stability maintained via annealing, pickling, and oxidation control.

2. Titanium in Architecture: A Growing Trend

Museums and landmarks (e.g., Abu Dhabi Airport, 100+ tons of titanium) showcase titanium’s architectural potential.

Global applications: USA, Canada, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, Peru, Switzerland, Singapore, Egypt.

Japan leads with 28 years of use (e.g., Saganoseki Shrine’s golden titanium roof). Applications include walls, facades, bridges, tunnels, sculptures.

Usage growth: Japan’s architectural titanium consumption rose from 64 tons (1990) to 113 tons (2000), peaking at 294 tons (1995).

China’s progress: Early-stage adoption (≤10 tons), primarily in decorative elements.