Differences Between Black Titanium Mesh Scraps and Titanium MMO

1. Black Titanium Mesh Scraps

Base Material:

• Made of pure titanium or titanium alloys.

• Common grades include commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) or Ti-6Al-4V alloys.

Coating:

• Typically features a black finish applied for cosmetic, protective, or anti-corrosion purposes.

• Coating methods may include:

  • Anodizing: Electrochemical process creating a durable oxide layer.

  • Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): Thin, hard coating applied for enhanced durability.

  • Chemical Treatments: Blackening for aesthetic or environmental resistance.

Applications:

• Used for structural or general industrial purposes, such as:

  • Filtration systems.

  • Medical implants.

  • Architectural designs.

• The black finish is often non-catalytic and serves primarily to enhance corrosion resistance or improve appearance.

Relation to PGMs (Platinum Group Metals):

• Does not inherently involve PGMs (Platinum, Iridium, Ruthenium) unless explicitly designed for specialized applications.

• Generally unrelated to catalytic or electrochemical processes.

Value:

• Moderate, depending on the scrap’s size, grade, and usability.

• Primarily valued for its titanium content, with less focus on coating materials.

2. Titanium MMO (Mixed Metal Oxide) Mesh

Base Material:

• Constructed from titanium for its exceptional corrosion resistance in harsh environments (e.g., seawater, acidic solutions).

• Titanium acts as the substrate for advanced coatings.

Coating:

• Coated with a layer of mixed metal oxides, typically containing Platinum Group Metals (PGMs):

  • Iridium Oxide (IrO2)

  • Ruthenium Oxide (RuO2)

  • Sometimes, Platinum Oxide

• The coating provides catalytic properties and high electrical conductivity.

Applications:

• Specifically designed for industrial processes requiring catalytic and electrochemical activity:

  • Chlor-alkali production.

  • Electrolysis (e.g., water splitting, hydrogen production).

  • Cathodic protection systems for pipelines, ships, and offshore structures.

  • Oxygen evolution reactions in various electrolytic cells.

Appearance:

• Often appears black due to the oxides in the coating, which are functional rather than aesthetic.

Relation to PGMs:

• Directly linked to PGMs, which are critical components of the MMO coating.

• These metals significantly increase the material’s value due to their catalytic and electrochemical properties.

Value:

• High, owing to the presence of PGMs in the coating.

• Highly sought after for recycling and recovery of the precious metals.

Key Differences

Conclusion

While both Black Titanium Mesh Scraps and Titanium MMO Mesh share titanium as their base material, they are fundamentally different in purpose, composition, and value. Black Titanium Mesh Scraps are primarily structural or aesthetic, with no inherent connection to PGMs. In contrast, Titanium MMO Mesh is engineered for high-performance catalytic applications and contains valuable PGMs like Iridium and Ruthenium, making it significantly more valuable and specialized. Proper identification of these materials is crucial to maximize their usability or recycling potential.