As a materials science expert with a focus on the properties and applications of various metals, I can provide a detailed comparison between titanium and iron.

Titanium and iron are both strong metals, but they have different properties that make them suitable for different applications. In terms of strength-to-weight ratio, titanium is generally stronger than iron when comparing equal volumes. This means that for the same weight, titanium can withstand more force before breaking or deforming. However, if we're talking about absolute strength, iron can be stronger depending on its form and treatment. For instance, steel, which is an alloy of iron, can be made much stronger than pure iron through various heat treatments and alloying processes.

Titanium is also known for its corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater and other harsh environments, which makes it a popular choice for applications like marine hardware and implants for the human body. Iron, on the other hand, is prone to rusting, which limits its use in certain environments without protective coatings or treatments.

In terms of hardness, titanium can be harder than iron, but this can vary widely depending on the specific alloy and processing methods used. For example, some grades of titanium alloys can be quite hard and resistant to wear.

Cost is another factor to consider. Titanium is more expensive than iron due to the difficulty in extracting and processing the metal. This often limits titanium's use to applications where its unique properties are essential.

In summary, while iron can be stronger in certain contexts, titanium's strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility make it superior in many high-performance applications.

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That said, the most commonly used alloy of Titanium (6al4v) is significantly stronger than the most commonly used steels. As others have pointed out, Titanium is remarkable for its strength, given its weight. It is also remarkable for its amazing resistance to corrosion.read more >>