A few months ago I was toying with my propane torch and a piece of titanium tubing. The first piece produced muted colors but then I smoothed the
surface by spinning the tubing in my lathe using sandpaper. That produced better colors. It's funny how in different light the colors are dull or
bright. I guess the thin oxide layer is partly acting like an iridescent beetle's wing. Direct sunlight or fluorescent light makes them look very
dull, indirect sunlight the best.
I recall some articles about TiO2 having a photocatalytic effect with methanol.
There are some good videos on youtube about anodizing titanium with electricity. Some colors are very brilliant. http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2010/SC/c0sc00... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJwQp0Dbm98 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzShFSj3xxA&feature=relat... http://www.flickr.com/photos/opoterser/4513168668/
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