Platinum Metals Review - Volume 10, Issue 2, 1966

The modern platinum resistance thermometer provides the most accurate and versatile method of industrial temperature measurement and control. This article gives details of a new design of platinum resistance thermometer element of small dimensions and good stability. It also describes a range of complete thermometers based on these elements together with a resistance-bridge system used for signal conditioning when the thermometers are used in data-logging or computer controlled systems.

Corrosion problems can become severe in paper-making machines in which the pulp is dried over steam-heated castiron cylinders. Paper with a smooth bright surface will be produced provided that the cylinder remains smooth and bright, but corrosive media in the pulp attack the surface. This article describes the successful application of cathodic polarisation, using platinum-titanium anodes, to a large paper-drying cylinder to give it complete protection from corrosion

In the concluding part of this study of platinum alloys for use in the glass industry, correlations between structure, composition and high temperature mechanical properties have been obtained in the platinum-rich corner of the gold - rhodium - platinum system. Although gold additions decrease the melting point of rhodium-platinum alloys, the effect is not pronounced. The alloy containing 5 per cent gold and 10 per cent rhodium which was shown in the previous parts of the paper to be particularly resistant to wetting has a solidus between 1730°C and 1760°C. This alloy is single phased at temperatures above 1100°C and is more resistant to creep than the 10 per cent rhodium-platinum solid solution. Some of these improved high temperature properties are sacrificed if the gold content is reduced to 3 per cent.

Nothing certain is understood concerning the mechanism of what is the oldest known, and the simplest, catalytic oxidation. Recent work in the Johnson Matthey Research Laboratories has partly explained some of the inconsistencies found in previous work, and has established the best conditions for studying the kinetics of this reaction. In this article new suggestions are put forward on possible reaction mechanisms.