Super-strong rust-free lightweight cars could be in prospect following the
development of a cheaper way of extracting titanium from its ore. Derek Fray and
his colleagues at Cambridge University found they could recover titanium from
its oxide ore by making it a negatively charged cathode in a bath of molten
calcium chloride. Oxygen in the oxide ionised and dissolved in the chloride,
leaving just titanium metal behind. This appears “very much easier and quicker
than the established routes”, says Fray (Nature, vol 407, p 361).
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
There’s a been a sudden increase in the rate of sea level rise
2
The mathematician who doesn’t exist
3
PCOS postpones perimenopause and allows pregnancies at older ages
4
Fire is spreading in the Chernobyl exclusion zone after drone crash
5
Man destined for Alzheimer's may have been saved by accidental therapy
6
Woman in cancer remission without treatment in highly unusual case
7
A lost ancient script reveals how writing as we know it really began
8
Slow breathing can calm the mind without any need for mindfulness
9
Neanderthal 'kneeprint' found next to mysterious stalagmite circle
10
The 50-year quest to create a quantum spin liquid may finally be over
