Thermoelectric Homogeneity and Stability of Platinum-Rhodium Alloyed Thermoelements of Different Compositions

摘要

This paper discusses the different oxidation behavior of platinum and rhodium and their alloys usable as thermocouple materials. A specially prepared thermocouple containing thermoelements of different platinum-rhodium alloys (Pt-5%Rh, Pt-6%Rh, Pt-13%Rh, Pt-17%Rh and Pt-20%Rh) and a Pt-67 thermoelement was investigated. It was annealed at different temperatures in air. The thermoelectric homogeneity and stability of the thermocouple was tested by measurements of immersion profiles at 400 °C in a salt bath. The alloys of Pt-17%Rh and Pt-20%Rh were found to be the most suitable compositions with regard to thermoelectric homogeneity and stability.