Platinum resistance temperature detectors can be used with suitable electrical instruments to measure or control temperatures between −70 and 600°C, over which range the relationship between electrical resistance and temperature is approximately linear. Initially the platinum was used in the form of a wire coil but now thick film resistance detectors have been developed and are finding increasing industrial application, while in addition they have great potential for domestic use.’ These detectors comprise a resistance track of high purity platinum film bonded to an inert ceramic substrate and protected from the environment by a glaze. To achieve the required resistance only a thin particulate film is needed, and as both the production and the checking stages are largely automated the devices are relatively low cost items (W. D. J. Evans, Platinum Metals Rev., 1981, 25, 1, 2–11).

The ends of the thermometer resistance element, whether wire wound or thick film, have to be attached to the instrumentation in a reliable manner. A robust connection that will give long life free from corrosion at temperatures up to 600°C is required, while thermal e.m.f.s must be avoided where the leadout wires are joined to the device. In the past, platinum wire has invariably been used to make the initial connection but now a suitable cost effective alternative is available. Using a fused salt technique Johnson Matthey Metals Limited has produced a palladium-cored wire coated with platinum Typically, 20 microns of platinum is employed, this thickness of plating being both uniform and non porous, and the wire may be resistance welded to the usual base metal extension wires without difficulty. This material is now being used by Matthey Printed Products Limited on their Thermafilm^® detectors, and it has proved to be an effective alternative to pure platinum.

It is anticipated that fused salt platinum plated palladium will find additional applications where similar conditions are encountered, and similar properties required.