function random_content(){
var facts=new Array()

facts[1]='...Extensive testing, sponsored in part by a European Union research project into "smart" antipollution materials, has determined that construction products containing titanium dioxide help to destroy air pollutants found in car exhaust and heating emissions.'
facts[2]='Kronos International has patented a method for post-treatment of titanium dioxide pigment particles. According to the US Patent and Trademark Office the treatment results in particularly weather-resistant titanium dioxide pigments with good optical properties. The method involves the addition of hydrous oxides of tin and zirconium and at least one other from the group comprising aluminium, silicon and titanium that are additionally precipitated onto the particle surface. (Source: US Fed News, 18 November 2006)'
facts[3]='Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha has developed ultrafine titanium dioxide for cosmetics use that can protect the skin from a broad spectrum of ultraviolet radiation, including both UVA and UVB wavelengths. The Company developed the revolutionary product, called TTO-80(A), by controlling the particle diameters of its product to within the range of 50-70 nanometers.  (Source: Japan Chemical Week, 16 November 2006)'
facts[4]='The University of Arkansas has developed a flame-retardant (withstanding temperatures of 700 °C), bacteria-resistant, rewritable and pathogen-decomposing paper product. The key to the paper\'s resilience is its simple, non-toxic and inexpensive core ingredient, nanowires of titanium dioxide, as opposed to conventional cellulose fibres. The nanowires are manufactured by mixing powdered titanium dioxide with an alkaline solution that is placed in a Teflon-coated container. The mixture is then heated in an oven at temperatures between 150 to 250 °C for up to several days. As the alkaline solution evaporates, it leaves behind long, white fibres, which are washed in distilled water and, while still at the consistency of wet pulp, cast into a variation of shapes using this patent-pending process. (25/09/06http://dsc.discovery.com/news)'
facts[5]='Tecnotessile, an Italian scientific and technological research company, has developed a titanium dioxide based chemical compound, whose structure can allow textiles to hold back bacteria, thus preventing textiles from emitting an odour. Textiles made of cotton, linen and viscose can be treated with a liquid solution containing the non-toxic, anti-bacterial chemical. (Source: ANSA, 6 April 2006 )'
facts[6]='Lunar soil, containing ilmenite, could be a source of oxygen. Several methods of stripping oxygen from ilmenite are currently being explored. Since ilmenite is rich in titanium oxide, extensive supplies of ilmenite on the moon can be used to create enough oxygen to sustain life on the moon. The challenge is that all methods require a massive amount of heat, according to a Lockheed Martin Corporation, who is building a robotic laboratory in the foothills of the Rockies outside Denver to extract oxygen from moon soil. The goal is to be able to make 9 pounds of liquid oxygen a day, which is enough to keep four people alive. It is estimated that by stripping the top few inches of soil from an area the size of a basketball court, moon explorers could make enough oxygen to supply a small enclosed lunar base for about half a year.  (Source: The Columbus Dispatch, 21 February 2006 )'
facts[7]='Zirconia and zirconium chemicals is forecast to become the second largest market sector for zircon around 2008 (Source:  TZMI, 2006)'
facts[8]='A heavy minerals mine in North America filled an urgent request from United Space Alliance (USA), the prime contractor of the NASA shuttle fleet, for 225 tonnes of zircon sand to forge the treads needed for the massive "crawlers" that transport the space shuttle to the launch pad. The shuttle launch was threatened by the global shortage of zircon, the only kind of sand that can be used in this type of high-temperature casting process. (Source:  www.dupont.com 11/07/05)'
facts[9]='The National Metal and Materials Technology Centre in Thailand has developed a new transparent film, containing titanium dioxide used for UV protection, water and ethanol to protect plants from excessive ultraviolet light and to reduces infrared radiation by 30%, and thereby minimizing dehydration. The new film still allows 80% of light to pass to the plant to enable photosynthesis to take place. (Source: The Nation, Thailand) 07/02/2005 )'
facts[10]='The Hosokawa Powder Technology Research Institute has developed a composite material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) that more than doubles electricity generating performance. SOFCs made with the new material can generate 0.8 watts per square centimetre, compared with the standard 0.3 watts. The material is made from a uniformly distributed mixture of powdered metals, including zirconia. (Source: Nikkei Report 19/01/2005)'
facts[11]='Scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US have developed a high pressure technique to make pure zirconium glass. This is the first time that a bulk metallic glass (BMG) has been formed from a single element or pure metal. The use of BMGs has increased in recent years and has begun to replace other advanced materials such as crystalline metals, superalloys and engineering ceramics. (Source: Advanced Ceramics Report 01/01/2005)'
facts[12]='Joint research between Noritake and Tokyo Medical and Dental University has proven that titanium oxide photo catalyst can render SARS viruses harmless. In the experiments, SARS viruses placed on a titanium oxide layer that had been formed on a glass sheet and exposed to ultraviolet rays for 10 minutes, were found to be 99.9% inactive. (Source: Nikkei Report 07/12/2004 )'
facts[13]='The Ferrari Challenge Stradale is said to be the first production vehicle to use titanium suspension springs throughout. The springs are claimed to yield a 39% weight saving over high strength steel and 28% saving in the rear springs. According to Ferrari, titanium springs also improve ride, handling and do not corrode. (Source: Machine Design 03/06/2004)'
facts[14]='A dental supply company in Japan, Noritake, has developed a way to cast all-zirconia dentures which not only look like real teeth, but are also strong and bend-resistant and do not trigger allergic reactions. Demand for zirconia as a denture material is expected to grow once mass production techniques are established. (Source: Asia Pulse 26/05/2004)'
facts[15]='The popularity of golf is spreading in China and is fuelling major marketing and manufacturing initiatives to supply titanium clubs. It was reported in 2003 that demand for titanium sheets and bars increased 15% to about 8,000 tonnes. Manufacture of golf clubs uses about a 10th of China\'s annual titanium demand, taking about 100 grams of the material per club. China makes around 30 million clubs per year and exports most production to the US and Japan. (Source: Advanced Materials and Composites News 05/04/2004)'
facts[16]='Innovative construction materials (plaster, mortar, architectural concrete) and coatings containing titanium dioxide that can capture and absorb organic and inorganic pollutants after being exposed to sun-light are being tested and developed by a European consortium and the EC Joint Research Centre. The project is part of the Photo-catalytic Innovative Coverings Applications for De-pollution Assessment. (Source: Edie News 12/03/2004)'
facts[17]='A UK firm has developed a new paint containing spherical nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate mixed into a silicon based polymer which, when painted on the sides of buildings, soaks up nitrogen oxide gases emitted by vehicle exhausts that cause smog. The particles are so tiny the paint is clear and pigment can be added to make the desired colour. (Source: New Scientist 07/02/2004)'
facts[18]='The Japan Fine Ceramics Centre in Nagoya has announced the development of the world\'s first artificial bone, with characteristics closely resembling human bones. The material is made by mixing titanium dioxide and resin and has both flexibility and strength, with little negative impact on the user\'s body. The material is expected to be in practical use by early fiscal 2007. (Source: Kyodo News 08/07/2003)'
facts[19]='The US military spends $120,000 to spray paint the blades of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters after each mission to avoid sand damaging the titanium edges. A single titanium-edged blade on an Apache attack helicopter costs $80,000. (Source:  The Times, 11/03/2003)'
facts[20]='At a Chinese subsidiary, Japanese company Toho has begun production of exterior tiles that help clean the air. The surface of the tile is coated with titanium oxide and other chemicals that act as an optical catalyst to produce activated oxygen when exposed to sunlight. The activated oxygen breaks down nitrogen and sulfur oxides in the atmosphere. It is said that an area of 1,000 sq.m. of these tiles will give the same air-cleaning effect as 74 poplar trees. Toho has invested 150 million yen to give its affiliate production capacity of 150,000 sq.m. per month. (Source: Nikkei Report 30/12/2002)'
facts[21]='BASF has developed new textiles which protect against the sun\'s rays by working titanium dioxide in to nylon 6, the traditional base material for yarns. (15/10/2002)'
facts[22]='TOTO, a Japanese company, successfully developed super hydrophilic photocatalyst technology for the first time in the world. This technology utilizes titanium dioxide and forms an ultra-thin layer of water on a material surface and then makes the surface of various materials super hydrophilic (non-water repelling).  Materials coated with a super hydrophilic photocatalyst offer various benefits such as anti-fogging property and self-cleaning property, which makes cleaning easier with water.  (Source: www.toto.co.jp, 2007)'
facts[23]='Following comprehensive studies by Degussa in Dusseldorf, the European Union (EU) issued unrestricted authorisation for use of ultra fine titanium dioxide as a UV filter in cosmetic products, in 2002. The directive states that use of a concentration of up to 25% is safe to health. (Source: Cosmetics International 09/2002)'
facts[24]='Zirconium tungstate, a blend of zirconium, tungsten and oxygen is the root of several U.S. patent applications, based on the fact that it shrinks uniformly when heat is applied. Scientists researching the future of fibre optics believe that this property could maintain the integrity of optical fibre variations due to temperature changes. Multiple wavelengths transmitted through a fibre become scrambled and the signal impaired during even slight expansion or contraction. (Source: Communications Today 02/10/2002)'
facts[25]='Glass manufacturer, Pilkington, is taking the EU market by storm with its new product Activ(tm), a self-cleaning glass that uses a special photocatalytic titanium dioxide-based coating to break down dirt on the pane. The glass is water attracting and spreads rain evenly over the pane so the dirt is washed off after it has been broken down. (www.pilkington.co.uk. 2007)'
facts[26]='It is estimated that the giant new Airbus A380 commercial airliner contains about 77 tons in titanium metal components, including 11 tons in its engines.  (Source:  www.airbus.com)'
facts[27]='Australia, South Africa, Canada, Norway and Ukraine have more then 86% of the world\'s total mine production of Titanium containing minerals.'
facts[28]='Titanium is the ninth-most abundant element in the earth\'s crust (0.63% by mass) and is present in most igneous rocks and in sediments derived from them as oxide and silicate minerals. Only ilmenite (45% - 65% TiO2 content) and rutile (95% TiO2 content) have significant economic importance, but these are usually not found in high concentrations.'
facts[29]='The 120-foot (40 m) memorial to Yuri Gagarin, the first man to travel in space, in Moscow, is made of titanium due to the metal\'s attractive color and association with rocketry.'
facts[30]='About two thirds of all titanium metal produced in the world is used in aircraft engines and frames.  In engine applications, titanium is used for rotors, compressor blades, hydraulic system components and nacelles.'
facts[31]='Because titanium metal is biocompatible (non-toxic and is not rejected by the body), titanium is used in a gamut of medical applications including surgical implements and implants, such as hip balls and sockets (joint replacement) that can stay in place for up to 20 years. Titanium has the inherent property to osseointegrate, enabling use in dental implants that can remain in place for over 30 years.'
facts[32]='About 95% of titanium ore extracted from the Earth is destined for refinement into titanium dioxide (TiO2), an intensely white permanent pigment used in paints, paper, toothpaste, and plastics. It is also used in cement, in gemstones, as an optical opacifier in paper, and a strengthening agent in graphite composite fishing rods and golf clubs.'
facts[33]='TiO2 powder is chemically inert, resists fading in sunlight, and is very opaque: this allows it to impart a pure and brilliant white color to the brown or gray chemicals that form the majority of household plastics.  Pure titanium dioxide has a very high index of refraction and an optical dispersion higher than diamond.'
facts[34]='Titanium metal may be anodized to produce various and beautiful colors to produce jewelry and artworks such as sculptures, decorative objects and furniture.'
facts[35]='Titanium is non-toxic even in large doses and does not play any natural role inside the human body. An estimated 0.8 milligrams of titanium is ingested by humans each day but most passes through without being absorbed.'
facts[36]='Leucoxene is a fine granular alteration product of titanium minerals. It varies in color (yellow to brown), density and chemical composition.  In the strict sense it is not a valid mineral species and consists mainly of rutile or anatase phases.'
facts[37]='Rutile derives its name from the Latin \'rutilus\', red, in reference to the deep red color observed in some specimens when viewed by transmitted light.   It is the most common natural form of TiO2.'
facts[38]='Nano-particles of rutile are transparent to optical light but remain highly reflective to UV light. Hence, they are used in sunscreens.'
facts[39]='Zirconium metal is used in nuclear reactors due to its neutron absorption properties.'
facts[40]='Zirconium has a low absorption cross section for thermal neutrons, which makes it ideal for nuclear energy uses, such as cladding fuel elements. More than 90% of zirconium metal production is consumed by commercial nuclear power generation. Modern commercial scale reactors can use as much as a 150,000 meters of zirconium alloy (Zircaloy) tubing.'
facts[41]='Crucibles from zirconia are used to melt platinum at temperatures in excess of 1755 °C.'
facts[42]='Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. Its chemical name is zirconium silicate and its corresponding chemical formula is ZrO2.SiO2. Hafnium is almost always present in quantities ranging from 1 to 2%.  It has a specific gravity of 4.6 and has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale (Diamond = 10).'
facts[43]='Zirconium metal is pyrophoric (flammable) and has been used in military incendiaries such as "Dragon\'s Breath". It is also planned for use in the baseline variant of the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon for incendiary effects.   It is also used to line shaped charges.'
facts[44]='Zirconium nitride has been used more recently as an alternative to titanium nitride for coating drill bits. Both coatings are supposed to keep the bit sharper and cooler during cutting.'
facts[45]='Bicycle manufacturers incorporate zirconium-aluminum alloys in their high end bicycle frames. This combination provides the frame with tougher durability; likewise, the frame becomes lighter and much stronger. Zirconium is also used in the manufacture of high strength lacrosse sticks.'
facts[46]='Zirconium is used in cosmetics in the form of the molecule Aluminium-Zirconium-Octachlorohydrex GLY, which is an anti-perspirant.'
facts[47]='Human tissues can easily tolerate zirconium metal which makes it suitable for biocompatible implants. In one such application, Oxinium, a zirconium metal alloy is intentionally oxidized to produce an abrasion-resistant, high-integrity zirconium oxide ceramic surface on total hip or total knee replacement devices. The ceramic surface decreases wear of the polyethylene counterface, while the substrate retains the strength and ductility of a metal.'
facts[48]='Lunar rock samples brought back from several Apollo program missions to the moon have a very high zirconium oxide content relative to terrestrial rocks.'
facts[49]='In cosmetic and skin care products, titanium dioxide is used both as a pigment and a thickener. It is also used as a tattoo pigment and styptic pencils.'
facts[50]='In almost every sunscreen with a physical blocker, titanium dioxide is u both because of its refractive index and its resistance to discolouration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light.'
facts[51]='Titanium dioxide has potential for use in energy production: as a photocatalyst, it can carry out hydrolysis, i.e., break water into hydrogen and oxygen. Were the hydrogen collected, it could be used as a fuel. The efficiency of this process can be greatly improved by doping the oxide with carbon, as described in "Carbon-doped titanium dioxide is an effective photocatalyst".'
facts[52]='Noxer paving stone is a product of Mitsubishi Materials Corporation which uses the catalytic properties of titanium oxide (TiO2) in order to remove nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the air. Trials of this material on outdoor buildings and in streets and highway paving are on-going. The City of Westminster is the first place in Europe to test Noxer blocks.'

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