Pt-5%Au DPH is an oxide dispersion hardened version of the widely used alloy Pt-5%Au. Samples for many analytical techniques (XRF, ICP, AA, etc.) are commonly prepared by fusing with a borate flux. In particular for XRF analysis, the fused borate glass samples are then cast as discs that can be directly analyzed in the spectrometer. The contact angle of molten glass on Pt-5%Au, about 65°C at 1300°C, is almost double the value for pure platinum, i.e. the surface of the alloy is not wetted readily by the flux. Because of its favor able wetting characteristics, Pt-5%Au has for many years been the material of choice in the preparation of analysis samples.
Pt-5%Au DPH combines the well known advantages of Pt-5%Au with significantly improved mechanical strength at very high temperatures. This greatly reduces the danger of distortion that can arise from the handling of hot crucibles or exposure to rapid temperature changes. Furthermore, the oxide dispersion ensures that a fine grain structure is maintained even during exposure at the highest temperatures, thus minimizing the dangers of corrosion by “platinum poisons”.
