Title of article :
Use of Titanium and Tungsten as an Alternative to Gold in Jewellery Manufacturing
Author/Authors :
Surnam, B. Y. R Mechanical and Production Engineering Department - Faculty of Engineering - University of Mauritius , Audit, B. S Mechanical and Production Engineering Department - Faculty of Engineering - University of Mauritius , Soopee, A Mechanical and Production Engineering Department - Faculty of Engineering - University of Mauritius
Abstract :
In this study the use titanium and tungsten as alternatives to the noble metals in thejewellery industry was investigated.The degradation of titanium and tungsten were compared to that of gold, used as reference. Alternate immersion tests were performed in 3.5% sodium chloride and artificial perspiration. The metals' abrasion resistance with respect to textilefabrics was detennined.
In general, there is around 30% difference in pit density for titanium and tungsten as compared to that of gold. Pit
depth and pit diameter showed a similar trend. From the abrasive test performed, it was observed that titanium and tungsten had insignificant changes in the surface reflectivity with time. Hence, it was deduced that titanium and tungsten products would have longer maintenance intervals than that of gold. New tools and techniques, however, would be required byjewellers to work with titanium and tungsten.
Keywords :
Gold , 1ltunium , 'llmgsten , Corrosion , Accelerated Tests , Pitting , Abrasion , Abrasive 'II!st , Reflectivity. Jewellery
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics
