In the last issue, K. Mori of Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo KK described the production of flocculate platinum fibre and non-woven fabric, which are used as electrically conductive fillers for porcelain enamel (Platinum Metals Rev., 2004, 48, (2), 56). Now, Furuya Kinzoku KK of Japan have produced fine iridium (Ir) and Ir oxide fibre from linear Ir compounds with Ir–Ir bonds as the main chains in a fibre-like shape (Japanese Appl. 2004-027,399). The Ir compounds are thermally treated either in H₂ or O₂, to form fine Ir or Ir oxide microfilament, respectively. The fibre size is 0.1–5 µm by ≤ 20 µm, with surface area > 1 m² g⁻¹. The Ir fibre displays a high melting point, chemical stability, and has excellent characteristics as a catalyst.