Iridium may not be the best known metal, but it’s definitely one of the most practical. It is harder than platinum, and its unique properties make it difficult to reproduce. Iridium looks a bit like platinum but is more yellowish. Iridium may be susceptible to sodium cyanide, halogen and potassium cyanide but only at high temperatures. Aside from density, iridium is very resistant to corrosive substances, molten metals, oxides and acids. With an atomic number of 77, iridium is second only to osmium when it comes to density. PropertiesĪs a chemical element, iridium is noted for its silver white color, hardness and brittleness. Further research also revealed that iridium is more common in meteors, which is why some researchers believe that it originated in space.īecause iridium is common in meteors and has been detected as far back as 65 million years, some researchers believe that an asteroid filled with iridium crashed into the Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Iridium was uncovered by the British chemist Smithson Tennant, and since then scientists have learned that iridium can be seen in rocks dating back 65 million years. ![]() Prior to using iridium, other metals were tried such as gold, platinum and nickel, but iridium proved to be the most effective. Iridium is also used in X-ray telescopes, with the Chandra X-ray telescope having an iridium coating. Whether it is for a car, airplane or rocket, iridium plays an important role in making the vehicle function. While there are different types of spark plugs they usually work the same way. The non-reactive nature of iridium means it is compatible with spark plug electrical contacts. This versatility made iridium ideal for compass bearings and fountain pens. When iridium is mixed with other metals the alloy becomes more durable and less vulnerable to damage. Application of Corrosion Resistant Materials Iridium based crucibles are often used to mold or strengthen metals with heat. The hardened metal can then be used in heavy duty applications, and its resistance to heat means it can be utilized as a crucible to hold objects where materials can be melted at high temperatures. Iridium may be combined with platinum to give it extra hardness. And it is these properties that allow manufacturers to use iridium in various applications. Unlike gold, iridium isn’t reactive so it works well with other components. At its purest level the metal is brittle, but you can combine it with other metals and enhance its strength. Iridium not only has high melting and boiling points, but at room temperature iridium is solid. In fact iridium was utilized in encapsulating fuel in the Pioneer, Galileo, Voyager and Viking spacecraft. The iridium melting point is 2000 C, and this makes it suitable for heat producing generators. The corrosion resistant nature of iridium also makes it a useful addition to components that require strength. Those are usually made of titanium and iridium alloy which extends their lifespan and increases durability. Corrosion ResistanceĪs mentioned earlier, iridium is resistant to corrosion, and that is what makes it ideal for ships, sea vessels and pipes. Yes, this metal is difficult to melt and form, but it can be used in various sectors and industries. There is a misconception that iridium is hard to use and that is not true. This resulted in lowering of demand for iridium in the LED market, but the metal is still being used in other industries in the manufacture and processing of other products. In the ensuing years, companies discovered other materials that could be used for making LED screens. By using iridium, manufacturers found it easier to create LED screens. It was during the late 2000s that demand for smartphones, tablets and flatscreen TVs boomed, and what they all shared in common was the use of LED screens. The reason for the surge was the skyrocketing popularity of LED screens where this metal is used. It was during 2009 that demand for iridium really started to go up, and from 2009 to 2010 the need doubled from 2 to 4 tons. ![]() However it was not until the late 2000s that iridium took off and people started to take notice, and the metal has not looked back. So rare in fact, that some scientists speculate that this chemical element originated from space.īut regardless where iridium originated there is no questioning its value. This chemical element is more corrosion resistant than any other metal, and it also happens to be one of the rarest. Not a lot of people are familiar with iridium, but it’s one of the most widely used metals today.
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