Iridium

:Alternate meaning: Iridium (satellite)

Applications

The principal use of iridium is as a hardening agent in platinum alloys. Other uses:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• For making crucibles and devices that require high temperatures.
• Electrical contacts (notable example: Pt/Ir sparkplugs).
• Osmium/iridium alloys are used for tipping fountain pen nibs and for compass bearings.
• Iridium is used as a catalyst for carbonylation of methanol to produce acetic acid

At one time iridium, as an alloy with platinum, was used in bushing the vents of heavy ordnance and, in a finely powdered condition (iridium black), for painting porcelain black.

Related Topics:
Ordnance - Porcelain

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~