Titanium Reaction Layer Formation
Absorption of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon on the material surface of titanium upon contact with atmospheres or molding materials at high temperature, leading to embrittlement.
Titanium is very reactive at high temperatures. Once it gets hot, it attracts oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon from the surroundings. This forms a hard, brittle layer on the surface. This layer cracks easily and can lead to cracks in the weld metal. Therefore, you must shield titanium from the atmosphere during welding. The weld area and already heated material must be well covered with shielding gas. Before welding, the sheet must also be free of grease and dirt, otherwise it will draw impurities into the weld. If the material has a bluish or gray color after welding, the shielding was insufficient and the material has become brittle.