Chemical symbol Ti. Element No. 22 of the periodic system; atomic weight 47.90; melting point about 1668ºC (3270ºF.); boiling point over 3287ºC (5430ºF.); specific gravity 4.5. A bright white metal; very malleable and ductile. Its principal function has been as an alloy in steel making, but now is being used extensively (especially in aviation and aerospace) because of its high strength, light weight, and good corrosion resistance. As an alloying element in steel, tin: (a) reduces martensitic hardness and hardnability in medium chromium steels. (b) prevents formation of austenite in high-chromium steels. (c) prevents localized depletion of chromium in stainless steel during long heating. (d) added in small amounts give a finer grain size. (e) acts as a carbide stabilizer in austenitic stainless steels and is used to prevent intercrystalline corrosion, commonly termed "weld decay". Titanium carbide is also used with tungsten carbide in the manufacture of hard metal tools.