Titanium's natural enemies?

[blademan 13]

A guy I know recently told me he was reading about the famed SR-71 spy plane. It was Ti skinned. He said that there were three materials that would cause the Ti to become brittle. These were Cadmium, Fluorine and Chlorine. Supposedly the Ti would become so brittle after being exposed to these elements that it would shatter if dropped. I have no idea (does anyone other than the Air Force?) what Ti alloy was used that experienced this problem if, it was an alloy at all. Remember, this was circa 1960. I do know that it was not 6AL-4V however. Anyone have any insight into this? Does 6AL-4V have any enemies? Curious is all.

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It's only a mistake if you fail to learn from it!

 

[Walt Welch]

You are absolutely right about the cadmium. Ground crewmen had special tools to work on the SR-71, as the usual ones were cadmium plated. Someone once told me that the aircraft was hosed down with a soluble oil after a flight as well.

No idea as to halogens (Cl, Fl), but it is unlikely that Ti would come into contact with them. Walt

 

[SALTY]

The tap water in these parts does get a little "chlorine-y" smalling once in awhile.

Is there an anti-agent for Cl, or do I worry too much?