The High Temperature Stress-Rupture Properties of Platinum and Palladium

The industrial applications of platinum and palladium in wrought form derive, in large measure, from the unique ability of these metals to maintain their mechanical properties over long periods in oxidising environments at high temperatures. Published data on the strengths of these metals and their alloys is, however, somewhat confusing and often contradictory. A critical appraisal of the data, including some results from experimental work carried out recently in this laboratory, is presented so that the creep-rupture strengths of high purity platinum and palladium can be specified and discussed in terms of environmental sensitivity and of the role played by impurities.