High-Temperature Applications: Platinum vs. Boron Nitride?

High-temperature testing can lead to pan warping, signal drift, or sample loss with standard containers. Labs that use unsuitable materials risk damage to costly equipment and invalid results.

For high-temperature analysis, platinum and boron nitride offer superior resistance. Platinum can handle up to 1700°C and is chemically inert, while boron nitride can go beyond 2000°C and has high thermal conductivity.

 

Crucible Options for High-Temperature Applications

Material	Max Temp (°C)	Key Properties	Best Use	Reference
Platinum	1700	Chemical inertness, strong heat conduction	DSC, TGA, API analysis	CS Ceramic Co.,Ltd
Boron nitride	2000+	Non-stick, very high conductivity	Metals R&D, molten sample work	Rd Mathis, CeramXpert

I always recommend reviewing thermal limits and inertness for your instruments and methods. Platinum gives unmatched stability for high purity testing, while boron nitride works when nothing else survives the extreme heat or aggressive process environment (ScienceDirect).

 

Corrosive Sample Analysis: Alumina vs. Platinum?

Thermal analysis with corrosive samples often results in early crucible failure or irreproducible results if you choose the wrong material. This challenge leads to higher costs and failed tests.

Alumina tolerates weak acids and most organics, making it cost-effective. Platinum resists almost all acids and oxidants, perfect for strong or unpredictable chemistries.

 

Material Selection for Corrosive Samples

Material	Chemical Resistance	Longevity	Typical Use	Resource
Alumina	Moderate, not for HF or alkali	High (basic chemicals)	Routine TGA, lower-cost pharma	WelchLab
Platinum	Very high (most acids/bases)	Very high	Harsh acid, validation studies	CS Ceramic Co.,Ltd, Rd Mathis

I choose platinum for direct API testing or corrosive stability studies. When lab budgets require, alumina works if the chemical system is mild. Always check for new reactivity with each sample batch; reference chemical compatibility before purchases (Chemical inertness).

 

High-Pressure Environments: Stainless Steel Crucibles?

Standard ceramic or precious metal crucibles often deform or rupture in high-pressure testing, creating serious safety issues and leading to repeated failures or equipment loss.

Stainless steel crucibles offer mechanical strength and are suitable for controlled high-pressure thermal analysis. They resist pressure-based distortion and allow modifications for custom lab requirements.

 

Stainless Steel Crucible Features for High-Pressure

Crucible Type	Pressure Resistance	Suitability	Limitation	Reference
Stainless Steel	Very high (>100 bar)	High-pressure synthesis, sealed TGA	Not for strong acids, moderate temp	CS Ceramic Co.,Ltd
Platinum	Low to moderate	Atmospheric, basic pressure	Deforms under very high pressure

I recommend stainless steel for any pressure test beyond standard TGA/DSC setups. Work with suppliers like Rd Mathis and CeramXpert to ensure the fitting matches lab equipment and safety rules (Pressure vessel).

 

Small Sample Quantities: Micro-Crucibles for Precision?

Many labs struggle to get accurate results with trace samples, using standard-size crucibles that reduce signal-to-noise and waste precious materials.

Micro-crucibles, made from alumina or platinum, improve thermal sensitivity and make high-precision, low-mass testing possible. These vessels provide fast, even heating and lower detection limits for fine material analysis.

 

Micro-Crucible Properties for Small Samples

Material	Volume (μL)	Precision Level	Best Use	Supplier
Platinum	5 – 30	Very high	Trace API, pharma QC	CeramXpert, Rd Mathis
Alumina	10 – 40	High	Routine analysis, teaching labs	CS Ceramic Co.,Ltd, WelchLab

I ask for detailed technical drawings before micro-crucible orders. Consistent wall thickness and precision fit with thermal analysis equipment are key to success. Leading suppliers offer validated test data (Microanalysis).