Iridium Losses During Oxidation

Abstract

Iridium reacts with oxygen at high temperatures forming volatile oxides, the evaporation of which considerably increases the iridium losses in oxygen-containing atmospheres, when compared with high-vacuum conditions. This paperdescribes investigations carried out to determine the metal losses from polycrystalline iridium discs, by means of a magnetic suspension balance, at low pressures and high temperatures. The results are presented and discussed, and a strong temperature and pressure dependence is noted.