The Platinum Group of Metals: Applications and Opportunities
Posted by Luis Marini on Mon, Nov 01, 2010 @ 02:44 PM
On Oct. 8, 2010, we wrote a post about the differences in precious metals that Metallix Direct Gold purchases, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium. Today, we want to dig a little deeper into the platinum group of metals, which includes platinum, rhodium and palladium, as well as ruthenium, osmium and iridium.
Metals in the platinum group of metals are rare, yet exceptionally versatile metals. They are extremely resistant to tarnish and wear, which makes them great candidates for fine jewelry. This is the key reason they (particularly rhodium and palladium) are often alloyed with gold and silver, as they can add a level of durability to silver and gold that these metals do not have on their own. Further, the metals are also resistant to corrosion and high temperature, and have catalytic and electrical properties that make them ideal for industrial uses.
Here are a few key materials that are made using metals from the platinum group in the manufacturing process, all of which can result in scrap metal for the companies that produce them.
Platinum Gauze in Nitric Acid Production
Metals from the platinum group are used as a catalyst in the production of nitric acid. Platinum and platinum-rhodium gauze is used as the catalyst in nitric acid reactions; additionally, palladium-based gauze is used to catch these metals after they are vaporized in the reaction.
Molds in Glass Manufacturing
Glass is made by melting a number of materials into a molten form, which is then molded into its designated shape. Because of the high temperature needed to melt the materials, platinum is used in the molds because of its resistance to temperature and corrosion. Rhodium is often added as a platinum alloy (5% to 30%), which makes the platinum mold even more resilient. These molds will also not react with the molten glass, resulting in a more pure glass mixture for the final product.
Thermocouple Wire in Steel and Iron Manufacturing
Thermocouples are a connection of two metals that create a voltage as a result of a change in temperature, thus acting as a measurement and control of temperatures. The use of platinum and platinum-rhodium thermocouple wire is ideal for use in furnaces that heat steel and iron during manufacturing because they are the most stable thermocouples.
Electrodes in Medical Equipment
Because the platinum group has strong electrical properties, they are ideal metals to be used in electrodes for medical equipment. Additionally, platinum is an inert metal, which makes it safe to be used inside the human body. These two characteristics are why platinum-iridium electrodes are frequently used in pacemakers, which help to stabilize irregular heartbeats.
Capacitators and Plating in Electronics
Palladium is the preferable metal used in electronics because, like other platinum group metals, it has great durability and is an excellent conductor of electricity. Palladium and palladium-silver are used in multi-layer ceramic capacitators, which help to control the flow of electricity in electronics. Palladium is also used in plating the connectors inside electronics.
Beyond Fine Jewelry
It is easy to associate precious metals with jewelry alone; however, their value and role in a variety of industries is paramount. Each of the industries discussed above provide an additional source for scrap precious metals from the platinum group, which can be recycled and reused through the refining process. Companies who develop materials using platinum group metals have the option to sell their scrap metals for profit through a trusted gold buyer.
We’ve only provided a snapshot of how the platinum group of metals are used in industries. What additional applications exist for the platinum group of metals? Join in the conversation by leaving a note in the comments section.
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