Producing lower-cost titanium for automotive applications

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.