- #1
mesa
Gold Member
- 695
- 38
I am trying to locate HK31A (magnesium thorium alloy) for a research project. I have tried my usual suppliers but they came up empty handed. Calls were then placed to the major magnesium alloy manufacturers (e.g. Magnesium Elektron) but to no avail.
Upon further investigation the manufacturers said they ceased production primarily due to law changes in the 1990's (there were concerns about the alloy's mildly radioactive nature) that placed unreasonable requirements on shipping. To further compound the issue with this material, pressure was placed on these companies by uninformed environmental groups to cease production. Long story short they were successful and this is now a remarkably difficult alloy to find.
I have consulted with Professors on campus, experts in the field, and publications (current favorite is Principles of Magnesium Technology by Emley - alternative suggestions are always welcome!) about trying to process the alloy independently but it is a somewhat tedious process and current market values for Thorium is at a premium due to a halting of mine production of this mineral (and heavy rare Earth elements in general).
Any suggestions about where to locate this alloy would be appreciated!
Upon further investigation the manufacturers said they ceased production primarily due to law changes in the 1990's (there were concerns about the alloy's mildly radioactive nature) that placed unreasonable requirements on shipping. To further compound the issue with this material, pressure was placed on these companies by uninformed environmental groups to cease production. Long story short they were successful and this is now a remarkably difficult alloy to find.
I have consulted with Professors on campus, experts in the field, and publications (current favorite is Principles of Magnesium Technology by Emley - alternative suggestions are always welcome!) about trying to process the alloy independently but it is a somewhat tedious process and current market values for Thorium is at a premium due to a halting of mine production of this mineral (and heavy rare Earth elements in general).
Any suggestions about where to locate this alloy would be appreciated!