Pt 28.739 Pd 31.189 Rh 139.052 Au 70.42 Ag 0.788

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Exploring the Diverse Sources of Platinum Scrap

Platinum, a precious metal revered for its rarity, durability, and resistance to corrosion, finds its way into numerous industries and applications. While platinum is highly valued for its purity and versatility, its presence in various products inevitably leads to the generation of scrap material. Understanding the sources of platinum scrap is essential for both the recycling industry and those involved in platinum utilization. Let’s delve into the diverse origins of platinum scrap:

  1.  Dental Alloys:

For years Platinum serves as a crucial component in dental alloys, where its exceptional biocompatibility and resistance to tarnishing make it ideal for dental restorations. Certain high gold alloys contain up to 10% platinum. Additionally, pure platinum foil is utilized in crafting veneers, providing patients aesthetically pleasing dental enhancements. As the use of dental alloys with platinum decrease during the years Most platinum scrap can be found in old crown and bridges (together with gold silver and Palladium). The use of platinum foil is still existing in high end dental laboratories and the platinum scrap is about 99% pure. As the platinum only serve in the manufacturing process there is almost no losses and all the foils are transferred to very small sheets.

  1. Lab equipment
cRU1
cRU1

Platinum’s resistance to high temperatures and chemical corrosion makes it indispensable in laboratory settings. Crucibles, electrodes, and other equipment crafted from platinum are used in chemical analysis, metal melting, and various scientific experiments. Scrap is usually some used crucibles and tools that over time got some impurities with very high purity.

  1. Thermocouples:

Platinum wires are commonly employed in thermocouples for measuring temperature accurately in diverse industrial processes. Most wires contain 70-95% platinum and balance may contain rhodium or other precious metals which make the scrap value over the pure platinum value.

  1.  Aerospace Components:

Platinum-plated components are utilized in aerospace engineering, particularly in turbine engines and other high-temperature environments, where platinum’s heat resistance and catalytic properties are highly valued. With this type of scrap the value comes also from the alloy of the blades that is made from  titanium od cobalt Nikel alloys so it is recommended to sell scrap to the one credit both for the Pt and the Alloy.

5. Automotive Catalytic Converters:

Platinum plays a critical role in catalytic converters, where it facilitates the conversion of harmful gases into less harmful emissions, contributing to cleaner air and reduced environmental impact in automotive exhaust systems.

Platinum content is mostly in auto catalytic converter of Disel engines the platinum

Content in very low concentration of about 1 gram per Kg in the monolith.

  1.  Fuel Cells:

Platinum serves as a catalyst in fuel cells, enabling the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy with high efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

  1. Electronic Scrap:

While platinum is found in relatively small amounts in electronic scrap, it can be recovered from various electronic components, such as sensors, contacts, and connectors, during the recycling process.

  1.  Jewelry:

White-Gold_1Platinum’s lustrous appearance, durability, and hypoallergenic properties make it a popular choice for crafting fine jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Recycled platinum from old or unwanted jewelry contributes to sustainable sourcing practices in the jewelry industry. Most common alloy of platinum jewelry is 95% purity but some are 18karat which is 75% content. As Gold prices are more then double then platinum the use of platinum as “white gold ” rased.

  1.  Industrial Catalysts and Chemicals:

Platinum catalysts play a crucial role in numerous industrial processes, including petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, and environmental remediation, where they facilitate reactions with high efficiency and selectivity.

  1. Other application of platinum

Platinum’s use in pacemakers underscores its crucial role in life-saving medical devices. In these implants, platinum serves primarily in electrode leads due to its biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and excellent electrical conductivity

In spark plugs, platinum is often used as the center electrode material due to its high melting point, exceptional electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion.

Conclusion:

The diverse sources of platinum scrap highlight the widespread utilization of this precious metal across various industries and applications. Recycling platinum scrap not only conserves valuable resources but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with mining and refining new platinum. As industries continue to innovate and evolve, the demand for platinum and its recyclability will remain integral to sustainable practices and resource management.

By recognizing and harnessing the value of platinum scrap, we can further promote circular economy principles and ensure the responsible stewardship of this precious and versatile metal.

If you have platinum scrap and you need help in recycling it, please send mail to Ami at ami@agmetals.com

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