PDA

View Full Version : Can 24k gold be burned/oxidized?


GYPSEA
Aug14-08, 08:28 PM
At what temperature will it fizzle up an go poof?

Q_Goest
Aug15-08, 06:30 PM
The chance that oxygen might cause a metal or other material to ignite is dependant on the oxygen's pressure and is commonly tested by various organizations including NASA, ASTM and various industrial gas manufacturers. The oxygen compatibility of gold is one of the best. That is, it won't burn.
ASTM REFERENCE HERE (http://books.google.com/books?id=eSxDq009LIgC&pg=PA377&lpg=PA377&dq=%22oxygen+compatibility%22+gold&source=web&ots=uD42kcHLYV&sig=gmkHn4be6kF9LwDirzdWiEfK8ug&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result)

Note that although this reference seems to indicate there are few/no materials that are economical for oxygen systems, copper and brass pipe is commonly used at pressures up to 3000 psi with little or no chance for ignition.