Platinum has very ancient origins and was known and used by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans as well as pre-Columbian civilizations. After this, it disappeared for centuries, only resurfacing when Spanish conquistadors seeking gold encountered it. However, they failed to grasp its true value, mistaking it for silver and naming it "Platina", a derogatory term meaning "smaller silver". It was only in 1750, thanks to Sir Brownrigg, that close examination rediscovered its true value and revealed its astonishing features, which have allowed it to add value over the years.
Platinum and its alloys are used in many fields: goldsmiths, analytical laboratories, production, research, surgical fields, cables and electrical contacts. This wide range of applications is largely due to its mechanical properties and tolerability, allowing yields and performance to exceed those of any other metal despite its high cost. Pure platinum resists corrosion and air oxidation even at high temperatures.
Due to its non-modification of air at room and high temperatures and its resistance to most chemical agents, platinum is used in the manufacture of many laboratory equipment and equipment in the chemical industry (e.g. crucible, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, etc.).
However, at high temperatures, it is corroded by cyanide, halogens, sulfur, and caustic soda (lithium oxide and hydrate, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium), so it has low mechanical resistance when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, depending on its use, it is used in combination with other metals.
In general, platinum-based alloys can resist temperatures above 2000K (over 1700°C) and have excellent chemical stability, oxidation resistance, high melting point and shock; Not only that, they are malleable and promise good chemical and electrical conductivity.
The choice of alloy depends largely on the intended use for which the metal must be submitted; This is particularly important in the field of analysis and therefore also applies to the production of crucible and other laboratory equipment.
