| Abstract: | Although titanium has attractive properties that can improve the performance and economy of automobiles, at its current cost, it cannot compete with steel in most applications for which it is suited. It is readily apparent that titanium cannot be considered a viable mass-market automotive materials alternative as long as it is produced with the Kroll process. A look at existing and new technologies (as well as some that have been found lacking) in terms of applicability toward high-volume, low-cost titanium production for automotive applications indicates other options. A.D. Hartman earned his B.S. in chemical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1983. He is currently a chemical engineer in the Thermal Treatment Technologies Division at the Albany Research Center, Department of Energy. S.J. Gerdemann earned his B.S. in engineering science at the University of Virginia in 1976. He is currently a chemical engineer in the Thermal Treatment Technologies Division at the Albany Research Center, Department of Energy. Mr. Gerdemann is a member of TMS. J.S. Hansen earned his B.S. in metallurgical engineering at Oregon State University in 1972. He is currently a metallurgist in the Thermal Treatment Technologies Division at the Albany Research Center, Department of Energy. For more information, contact P.C. Turner, Albany Research Center, Department of Energy, 1450 S.W. Queen Avenue, Albany, Oregon 97321; 541-967-5863; fax 541-967-5958; e-mail turner@alrc.doe.gov. |
