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Iridium
Iridium (Ir) is one of the densest and most corrosion-resistant elements known. With a silvery-white appearance and a melting point of 2446 °C, it maintains stability at extreme temperatures and in highly reactive environments. As a member of the platinum group metals, Iridium is chemically inert and exceptionally durable, making it ideal for high-stress and high-performance applications.
Goodfellow’s high-purity iridium range includes Iridium Coils, Disks, Pellets, and Sputtering Targets, which are vital for advanced laboratory research and high-performance industrial applications. Iridium’s resistance to corrosion and high melting point makes it ideal for catalytic processes, aerospace, and electronics research. It plays a crucial role in the development of fuel cells, semiconductor technologies, and high-temperature materials. Iridium’s unique properties also make it essential for scientific studies in materials science and advanced manufacturing. With a wide variety of forms, Goodfellow’s iridium offerings support cutting-edge innovations across a range of industries and research areas.
Properties
Identifiers
Isotopes
Applications
Grades
Synonyms
General Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 77 |
| Density | 22.56 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 2446 °C |
| Boiling Point | 4428 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 147 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 47.1 nΩ·m |
| Crystal Structure | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 250–500 MPa |
| Yield Strength | Not well-defined (brittle at room temperature) |
| Young’s Modulus | 528 GPa |
| Hardness | Vickers ~1760 |
| Elongation at Break | 5–10% |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.26 |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent; resistant to most acids and molten metals |
| Reactivity | Inert in air and water; slowly attacked by fused alkalis |
| Oxidation States | +3, +4 (most common) |
| Surface Oxide | Forms IrO₂ under specific high-temperature conditions |
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ir |
| Atomic Number | 77 |
| CAS Number | 7439-88-5 |
| UN Number | N/A |
| EINECS Number | 231-095-9 |
| Isotope | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ir-191 | Stable | Natural isotope (~37.3%) |
| Ir-193 | Stable | Natural isotope (~62.7%) |
Scientific Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| X-ray Optics | Used as reflective coating in high-energy X-ray optics |
| Electrochemistry | Iridium electrodes used in high-precision electrochemical analysis |
| Catalysis | Key component in hydrogenation and oxidation catalysts |
| Mass Spectrometry | Used in ion sources and sample supports |
| High-Temperature Studies | Used in crucibles for material testing and synthesis |
Industrial Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Spark Plugs | High-performance spark plugs in aerospace and automotive engines |
| Electrical Contacts | Long-life contacts in harsh environments |
| Medical Devices | Biocompatible component in implantable electronics |
| Aerospace Components | Used in thermocouples and high-temp structures |
| Jewelry | Alloyed with platinum for wear-resistant finishes |
| Purity | Description |
|---|---|
| 99.9% (3N) |
Used in industrial components and crucibles. Impurities: ≤1000 ppm Standard industrial-grade Iridium. |
| 99.95% (3N5) |
Suitable for electrodes, spark plugs, high-temp applications. Impurities: ≤500 ppm Improved purity for electronic applications. |
| 99.99% (4N) |
Used in scientific equipment and catalyst applications. Impurities: ≤100 ppm High-purity Iridium for demanding environments. |
| 99.995% (4N5) |
Ideal for analytical standards and semiconductor use. Impurities: ≤50 ppm Ultra-high purity for precision applications. |
| Synonym |
|---|
| Iridium Precious Metal |
| Iridium Metal |
| Elemental Iridium |
| Element 77 |
| Iridio (Spanish, Italian) |