Platinum extraction | rhodium | tin white metal

Related tags: precious metals , gold scrap .

Platinum is considered one of the most precious metals. It is rare, scarce, and very costly. Currently platinum deposits are concentrated primarily in South Africa and Russia.
The cost of platinum has traditionally ranged from $350-$450 per ounce with a few exceptions and in recent times the cost has increased to $1100 to $1300 per ounce.

Pure platinum is a tin white metal, it is malleable, ductile and harder than silver.
It does not discolor in air, dissolve in acid, and it has a melting point of 3224 degree F. it is generally found as part of the Platinum Group Metals (PGM’s); Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium and Osmium.

When platinum was first discovered in Columbia back in the early 1700’s the inhabitants called it “platina,” which meant silver of less value. But, as refining processes were developed, this metal was applied for many purposes. Nowadays global demand exceeds 5.5 million ounces. Approximately 20% of the goods produced in the world contain platinum or are produced using platinum.

Applications and benefits of Platinum plating
Platinum electroplating is used to coat electrodes that are used in the refining of oil, and in the manufacturing of fertilizers, acids, and explosives. The automotive industry uses platinum plated catalytic converters to treat automobile exhaust emission. In the medical industry, platinum plate is used on instruments such as catheters and connectors for surgical equipment. The electrical and electronics industries use platinum plating for low voltage and low energy contacts. In electroplating, platinum is often used to coat titanium, niobium, or stainless steel anodes. It is also used in the jewels industry. Platinum’s shine is purer than silver or gold, enhancing the brilliancy of gemstones and diamonds. Platinum plating does not tarnish or oxidize and it is hypoallergenic – very few people ever experience an allergic reaction.

Platinum electroplate coatings typically range from 0.5 to 5 microns depending on the application. It is applied utilizing a rack fixture that is submerged in a chloroplatinic acid or a sulfate based platinum solution. The finished product will range in color from tin white to a matte gray finish depending on the base metal finish, activation process, and the thickness of the platinum coating.

Silver has the capability to platinum plate on brass, castings, copper, invar, kovar, steel, stainless steel, and titanium on items up to 24 inches in length.

Benefits of Platinum plating
Hard deposits
Smooth deposits
Pore-free deposits
Excellent wear resistance
Low electrical resistance
Excellent corrosion resistance

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