1. Physical and chemical properties

Platinum (Pt) has a very wide range of physico-chemical and mechanical properties, combining a very high melting point, resistance to chemical attack, high catalytic activity, mechanical strength and malleability. These properties make it indispensable in many industrial applications [1] :

• high melting point: 2,042 K ;

• resistance to alternating heating and cooling ;

• physical and chemical stability at extreme temperatures ;

• resistance to oxidation in air at any temperature ;

• resistance to chemical corrosion and molten materials ;

• resistance to nitric and sulfuric acids at high temperatures ;

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