There is a constantly increasing need for metallic materials with melting points over 1700 deg C for use at very high temperatures. In contrast to the refractory metals: tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum, and rhenium, which also have very high melting points, the metals of the platinum group, particularly platinum, rhodium and iridium, are characterised by outstanding chemical stability; oxidation resistance and resistance to many molten oxides. The platinum group metals are therefore ideal materials for using at high temperatures while undergoing simultaneous chemical attack and mechanical loading. However, for optimum effective employment of these metals, it is necessary to know their strength and deformation behaviour at extremely high temperatures. Data has been collected from comparative investigations which is presented here.
