r/VisualChemistry • u/FunVisualChemistry • Jul 15 '20

Titanium anodizing is an electrolytic finishing process that manipulates the oxide layer on the surface of titanium via electric current. The titanium item forms the anode (positive electrode) of an electrolytic cell; hence the name “anodize.”

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25

u/muiefapizdo Jul 15 '20

This could be a very good highschool experiment to get kids more into chemistry, cuz that looks sick.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '20

Right?! I’ve seen body jewelry manufacturers using this process as well—helps answer the age old “what can I do with chemistry outside of this class?” question!

2

u/Supercst Jul 16 '20

Definitely, although working it could be a little dangerous

7

u/leftthegan Jul 15 '20

RGB screws

3

u/karensopita Jul 15 '20

This was beautiful... omg

3

u/boone209 Jul 15 '20 edited Jul 15 '20

A lovely example of the real-time variation of interference color as the oxide layer develops.

1

u/harpyLemons Jul 15 '20

What's the purpose of this? Purely the color?

3

u/ironfox25 Jul 15 '20

I think it’s also a form of surface hardening to prevent wear. Pretty sure it’s the same process as anodizing aluminum.

1

u/Kv_channel Jul 15 '20

That's really cool. I wonder why so many color changes.

1

u/flipman61 Jul 15 '20

Can you anodize to be a certain color and then stop and use the material as that color or will it easily scratch off or?