Thursday, December 8, 2011

what is rhodium used for

Rhodium is a so-called noble metal, resistant to corrosion, found in platinum- or nickel ores together with the other members of the platinum group metals. Rhodium is a silver-white metallic element, is highly resistant to corrosion, and is extremely reflective. It is a chemical element that is a rare, silvery-white, hard, and chemically inert transition metal and a member of the platinum group.
The element's major use (about 80% of world rhodium production) is as one of the catalysts in the three-way catalytic converters of automobiles. It is used as a finish for jewelry, mirrors, and search lights. It is also used in electric connections and is alloyed with platinum for aircraft turbine engines. Because rhodium metal is inert against corrosion and most aggressive chemicals, and because of its rarity, rhodium is usually alloyed with platinum or palladium and applied in high-temperature and corrosion-resistive coatings. White gold is often plated with a thin rhodium layer to improve its optical impression while sterling silver is often rhodium plated for tarnish resistance. Another use is manufacturing of nitric acid and used in hydrogenation of organic compounds. Rhodium usage is dominated by automotive catalyst applications where it is used together with platinum and palladium to control exhaust emissions. Rhodium detectors are used in nuclear reactors to measure the neutron flux level.
The major use of the metal is in alloys with platinum and iridium, giving improved high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. These alloys are used in furnace windings, pen nibs, phonograph needles, high-temperature thermocouple and resistance wires, electrodes for aircraft spark plugs, bearings and electrical contacts.
More about: Buy Rhodium

No comments:

Post a Comment