Platinum Alloys
Platinum alloys, also known as platinization, are metals that have been alloyed with platinum. Alloys are substances composed of two or more elements, usually metals that are combined to create a single, uniform material with different properties than either of the individual components. Platinum alloys are used in a wide variety of industries, from medical manufacturing to making components used in aerospace and defense.
Platinum alloys offer numerous advantages over pure platinum that allow them to be used in a wide range of applications. Platinum alloys are harder than pure platinum and can be heat treated to increase their strength and durability. This makes them ideal for applications where strength and durability are critical such as medical implants, prostheses and fixtures. The higher strength lets them be used as a structural component in applications where pure platinum would be too soft such as components used in designing of aircraft and in the construction of spacecraft.
Platinum alloys also offer a number of other advantages such as corrosion resistance and a relatively low-cost compared to pure platinum. This makes them an attractive material for a variety of applications in industries such as automotive, energy, and telecommunications where resistance to corrosive or high-temperature environments is desired.
The most common type of platinum alloy is palladium-platinum (Pt-Pd). The platinum in palladium-platinum alloys is typically combined with a variety of other metals including titanium, copper, and nickel. The choice of metals and their ratios will affect the properties of the alloy and its suitability for a variety of end-use applications. For instance, a palladium-platinum alloy with a higher concentration of titanium will typically be harder and more corrosion-resistant than an alloy with a greater concentration of copper.
Platinum alloys can be formed through a variety of processes such as casting, powder metallurgy, and welding. Casting is the most commonly used process and involves melting the metals together in a crucible and then pouring the molten alloy into a mold. Powder metallurgy involves mixing the powder of the metals together and then compressing the mix into a desired shape. Welding is used when precise shapes need to be achieved, and the process involves joining two pieces of metal together through the use of flame or electricity.
Platinum alloys offer numerous benefits that make them ideal for a variety of industrial applications. They are stronger and more durable than pure platinum, corrosion resistant, and relatively cost-effective. This makes them an attractive choice for various industries including medical, automotive, energy, and defense.
