Multi-industry alloys
Palladium has a density almost half that of platinum. By adding palladium to PGM-based alloys, manufacturers can obtain lighter and more economical materials without compromising important properties such as heat resistance, durability and chemical inertia. This makes palladium a promising candidate to replace or supplement more expensive PGMs in applications where weight and cost are critical factors.
In the realm of multi-industry alloys with potential palladium usage, several critical components stand out: fibreglass bushings, as well as crucibles and other laboratory equipment.
Fibreglass bushings are essential for producing high-quality glass fibres used in various industries such as construction, the automotive sector, and aerospace. These bushings, typically made of platinum and rhodium alloys, play a crucial role in shaping molten glass into fine fibres to ensure the quality and consistency of the finished product.
On the other hand, crucibles and related lab equipment, often made from PGMs such as iridium and platinum, are essential in producing optical glass and growing single crystals. These materials are chosen for their exceptional heat resistance and inertness, which are indispensable for maintaining the purity and quality of glass.
Both fibreglass bushings and crucibles face challenges related to cost and material limitations, driving a search for innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining high standards.
The potential integration of palladium into these applications offers promising opportunities for cost-effective improvements without sacrificing performance.
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Fiberglass bushings
Fibreglass bushings are primarily made from platinum-rhodium alloys due to their strength, heat and corrosion resistances, ensuring high-quality glass fibres. However, these alloys are costly, and their price volatility impacts production costs.
Palladium presents a promising alternative due to its lower density high strength and corrosion resistance. It can also be dispersion-strengthened with zirconium , enhancing its durability. As a standalone material or an additive to platinum-rhodium alloys, palladium offers a potential cost-effective solution without compromising performance.
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Crucibles and lab equipment
Platinum group metals, mainly iridium and platinum, are used in crucibles and lab equipment for producing optical glass and growing single crystals due to their heat resistance and chemical inertness. The increasing demand for high-quality glass in electronics drives the market for these materials. However, iridium’s high cost and platinum’s temperature limitations pose challenges. While palladium cannot fully replace these metals due to its lower melting point, it can be incorporated into alloys or multi-layer structures to reduce costs and equipment weight while maintaining performances.
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