Ticalium

Ticalium is a super hard but lightweight aluminium and titanium carbide metal matrix composite (MMC) designed to increase the strength, hardness and wear-resistance of aluminum. A patent was applied for by Adal Group Inc in September 2005.

Ticalium is the result of four years of publicly funded research. Ticalium was named by the son of one of the two major shareholders in Adal Group Inc.

Properties

The new, engineered structure of Ticalium gives it excellent wear properties. The cutting and wear resistance of Ticalium can be increased by more than 50% at a significantly low reinforcement level.

The typical properties of Ticalium composite material from 6xxx Aluminium alloy is a hardness of 120 HV, a yield strength of 300 MPa, a tensile strength of 330 MPa and a stiffness of 85 GPa. These values are about 25% higher than those for the base alloy.

Dr Cem Selcuk, project manager for Adal, said in their September 19, 2005 news release, "Just for comparison with another strong material, white cast iron has a tensile strength of approximately 250 MPa (Mega Pascals)" [sic] " and is also brittle, whereas Ticalium has a higher strength of about 330 MPa together with a greater stiffness while exhibiting greater lightness according to third party testing."

Production

Billets can be cast and then extruded to produce rods, tubes and complex profiles. Products extruded from Ticalium can be engineered, sprayed, anodized, welded, painted and finished to a high standard using existing practices.

Uses and possible applications

Ticalium is ideal for applications requiring light weight and high wear-resistance with potential mechanical properties.

Automotive, transport, architecture and sports are some areas where Ticalium can shine, although Dr Cem Selcuk said in the Adal Group Inc September 19 2005 News Release, "We believe that the possibilities for applications are immense".

Brake discs and drums (automotive industry): Adal Group Inc says that they believe Ticalium can provide benefits such as high wear resistance, and is light weight for brake discs and drums. In addition, the high thermal conductivity of Ticalium provides better cooling than cast iron.

Brake calipers: Ticalium can provide improved stiffness to reduce the flexing of brake callipers.

Automotive pistons: Ticalium's wear resistance is an important benefit for automotive pistons.

Train wheels: Ticalium train brakes can result in huge weight savings, allowing reduced energy consumption and quicker acceleration and braking, thereby improving journey time and increasing train speed per hour.

Tyre studs: Ticalium can fulfill criteria for reduced weight.

Snowmobile component (steering drum): Ticalium can provide good wear resistance, stiffness and light weight for snowmobile components.

Motorcycle brake discs: Ticalium can provide weight savings and reduced gyroscopic effects during braking through corners for motorcycles.

Bicycle frames: Ticalium extruded tubes with good mechanical properties and surface finish would be beneficial for bicycle frames.

Other opportunities could include a wide range of products such as golf clubs.

Summary

Ticalium is intended to be a combination of materials that would not otherwise combine effectively, combining the lightness of aluminium and the strength of titanium.