In: Mechanical Engineering
What is a refractory metal? What are some examples? What is a precious metal? What are some examples?
Refractory metals are those metallic chemical element that shows extraordinarily high resistance towards heat, wear and creep. The refractory metals have a melting point temperature of more than 1850°C. Niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, hafnium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium and iridium are examples of refractory metals. The application of these refractory metals include rocket nozzles, welding electrode, filaments, cladding control rods, casting moulds etc.
Precious metals are rare, naturally occuring metallic elements with high economic value. Gold, platinum, rhodium, palladium and silver are examples of precious metals. These metals have limited use in engineering applications due to their cost.