Platinum Group Metals In Glassmaking

The platinum group metals (pgms) have been used in the glass industry for many years. Due to their high melting points and superior resistance to corrosion, they are invaluable for protecting manufacturing equipment from attack by molten glass and corrosive vapours. Although the initial cost of pgms may be high, they are fully recyclable and depending on the product, 95-98% of the metal can usually be recovered and converted into revenue once the useful life of the component is over. While there are many established products available to glass manufacturers, newer options with their own characteristics are being introduced. In this article, the author reviews the role of platinum group metals in the glass industry.