Precious metals and technology company Heraeus Precious Metals and mining and metals processing group Sibanye-Stillwater have partnered on a joint research and development project aimed at developing innovative, cost-efficient glass fibre bushings.

This initiative focuses on platinum/palladium alloys enhanced through Heraeus’ proprietary dispersion hardening (DPH) technology, with the goal of enabling more economical glass fibre production, while supporting the development of new palladium applications.

The project will cover alloy development prototyping and customer validation, and is planned over a two-year period.

The aim is to bring market-ready bushing solutions that are tailored to glass fibre applications such as electrical-grade glass (E-glass) fibres, which are alumino-borosilicate glass fibres used in the production of reinforced plastics, including printed circuit boards and wind turbine blades. 

For Sibanye-Stillwater, the collaboration is part of a broader strategy to foster new demand streams for palladium and support more balanced demand for platinum group metals (PGMs) that better match the basket of supply.

By enabling the substitution of platinum in industrial applications, the project contributes to unlocking additional value for palladium. 

Heraeus will contribute its expertise in research and development, precious metals processing and commercialisation, with development activities taking place in Hanau, Germany, and Shanghai, China.

Sibanye-Stillwater will support the project as a strategic partner, contributing its expertise in PGMs and enabling the exploration of new application areas for palladium.

“By combining our expertise in advanced materials engineering with Sibanye-Stillwater’s strength in PGM supply, we aim to unlock new pathways for cost-efficient glass fibre production.

“Our DPH technology enables us to tailor alloy properties in a way that balances performance and cost, making this approach particularly attractive for applications where economic efficiency is critical,” says Heraeus materials business line head Thomas Stenger.

“Developing new, sustainable and diversified demand streams for palladium is a key priority for Sibanye-Stillwater. Collaborations such as this with Heraeus enable us to support innovation in industrial applications while helping to sustain a balanced demand across the 6E platinum group metals basket in response to changing market dynamics,” says Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Richard Stewart.

Bushings are a critical component in the manufacture of glass fibres, a market that continues to see strong global demand growth. 

Traditionally, bushings are made from platinum owing to the metal’s excellent high- temperature stability.

A key challenge lies in identifying the optimal alloy composition and, while increasing palladium content can significantly reduce costs, excessive substitution may compromise mechanical strength and lifetime under high-temperature operating conditions.

The collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to driving innovation in PGM applications and addressing evolving market demands through material efficiency and technological advancement.

Heraeus and Sibanye-Stillwater have recently collaborated on developing a breakthrough ruthenium-based catalyst for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, significantly reducing material costs and reliance on iridium for hydrogen production.