Industrial Applications
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Many chemical processes employ platinum group metal catalysts to improve the efficiency of various reactions. Platinum-based catalysts have now been used in the commercial manufacture of nitric acid for a century.
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In the chemical processing sector, speciality silicones are the most significant area of platinum demand. Adding platinum compounds controls curing, helping to achieve the properties required for the numerous uses they have in everyday life.
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The need for computers to store very large amounts of information has brought a rapid increase in the use of platinum to improve the data storage capacity of hard disks and today, all hard disks contain platinum in their magnetic layers.
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Palladium-containing components are used in virtually every type of electronic device, mostly in multi-layer ceramic (chip) capacitors (MLCC) with smaller amounts being used in conductive tracks in hybrid integrated circuits (HIC) and for plating connectors and lead frames.
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Platinum and, to a much greater extent, palladium are mixed with other metals (including small amounts of ruthenium and/or iridium) to produce alloys for dental restorations, most commonly crowns (artificial teeth).
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With a high melting point and resistance to chemical attack, iridium is the preferred material for crucibles used in the production of high purity single crystals of various metal oxides used in a variety of applications.
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Used in the production of a variety of glasses, platinum's high melting point, strength and resistance to corrosion allow it to withstand the abrasive action of molten glass. Rhodium is alloyed with platinum to increase the strength of the alloy and extend the life of the equipment.
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In certain chemical forms, platinum inhibits the division of living cells and this property has resulted in the development of platinum-based drugs to treat a wide range of cancers. Platinum is ideal for tiny biomedical components by virtue of its inertness and good electrical conductivity.
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Platinum catalysts are used to upgrade low octane petroleum naphtha and to make petrochemical feedstocks for the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubber and polyester fibres. Palladium is used in hydrocracking while iridium is used with platinum in niche reforming applications.
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Platinum sensors are used in a variety of applications: measuring of oxygen and NOx levels in car engine control systems; detection of carbon monoxide in home safety devices; wire, foil and disc electrodes for various sensors in medical equipment.
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Nitric Acid
Silicones
Hard Disks
Electronic Components
Dental
Crucibles
Glass
Medical
Petroleum
Sensors