Of the platinum group metals (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum), platinum is the least rare, and the most widely used, because of its outstanding properties - high melting point, appearance, ductility and exceptional corrosion resistance - platinum, even in the form of thin leaf, is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing on exposure to the atmosphere, including urban sulfur-bearing atmospheres. Some uses for platinum or its alloys include electrical contacts, resistance thermometers, precision potentiometer wire and spinnerettes for synthetic fibers. It is also used as a crucible liner for producing high-purity optical glass and for hydrogenation, as in the production of vitamins and other chemicals.

TYPICAL PROPERTIES :

Boiling Point: 3800 ^oC

Melting Point: 1769 ^oC

Density at 20 ^oC: 21.45 g/cm³ (0.774 lb/in³)

Electrical Resistivity: 98.5 nΩ ⋅ m at 0 ^oC

Temperature Coefficient: 0.0039/K from 0 ^oC to 100 ^oC

Tensile Properties (Annealed at 700 ^oC):

       Tensile Strength: 125 - 165 MPa (18 - 24 ksi)

       Proportional Limit: <13.8 MPa (<2 ksi)

       Elongation: 30 - 40% in 50mm (2 in)

Tensile Properties (Hard Drawn, 50% Cold Worked):

       Tensile Strength: 205 - 240 MPa (30 - 35 ksi)

       Elongation: 1 - 3% in 50mm (2 in)

       Poisson’s Ratio: 0.39

Elastic Modulus at 20 ^oC (Annealed at 700 ^oC):

       Tension: Static: 171 GPa (24.5 x 10⁶ psi)

       Dynamic: 169 GPa (24.5 x 10⁶ psi)

Elastic Modulus at 20 ^oC (Hard Drawn, 50% Cold-Worked):

       Tension: Static: 156 GPa (22.6 x 10⁶ psi)