The ability of platinum and certain of its alloys to function effectively as structural materials for long periods in air at temperatures above 1400°C ensures for these materials a remarkable position in a variety of industrial processes. The physical characteristics of the platinum metal group are reviewed in this paper and contrasted with those of the base metal rhenium which is similarly rare and expensive. Rhenium and the refractory platinum metals oxidize rapidly when heated in air and rhodium-platinum alloys are generally employed when prolonged resistance to high temperature creep is required. Dispersion strengthened platinum alloys provide even higher elevated temperature properties. Economic justification for the industrial use of the platinum metal group is not difficult to provide because most processes centre on the unique ability of these elements to perform a specific function. In other instances their employment results in a cheaper and superior product. The applications of platinum in the glass industry are briefly described and an outline presented of the philosophy underlying the development of some new rhenium and platinum alloys. Consideration is given to the characteristics of hydrogen-palladium alloys and to their fuel cell and energy storage applications.
Dehydrogenative Coupling of Methane in the Thermal Diffusion Reactor with Platinum Metal Group Supported on a Carbon Rod as a Pyrogen.
