aluminium powder

[metiz]

does anyone know where to get aluminium powder or how to make it in fairly large quantities (200+ grams)

[Al Belli]

Hi metiz,

I would try a paint supplier, and ask for aluminum flake that is used as a pigment for aluminum ( silver ) paint.

Or:
buy some aluminum paint and wash the resins out by using an appropriate solvent.

Al Belli

[Rufus]

WARNING: Aluminum powder is hazardous.

http://unitednuclear.com/
sells granulated aluminum. Not sure if it's suitable for your needs.

[metiz]

ali belli: what kind of paint should I use and what kind of disolvents?

[metiz]

rufus: thats perfect for what I want with it (it even says: suited for thermite :P) but you can only pay with paypal or a credit card. I have a paypal acount but I don't want to use it becuase of earlier experiences and I don't have a creditcard. are there any other options/sites?

[El-Kablooey]

How much do you want? I have access to LOTS of AL powder, but it is mostly very fine, like talc. I can get some grainier stuff too, but it is a little more difficult.

[metiz]

500 to 1500 grams would be great. One little problem is that I live in the netherlands. But if I could buy some from you regardless I'd be VERY greatefull

[Al Belli]

Hi metiz,

I would say that it will be a lot cheaper to get El-Kablooey to send it to You than to use paint.

Silver automotive paint with the appropriate thinner works well, but is expensive.

Al Belli

[El-Kablooey]

I'll send you some for the cost of shipping. I'll bag up some tomorrow.

You will have to clean it up a little, it will sontain some fibers from finishing belts, and be contaminated with WD-40. It is easy to clean, just putit in a jar, add some water and about 2 drops of dishwashing soap, shake, and let the aluminum settle. Then you can pour off the contaminants.


P.M. me


Oh yeah, this isn't pure aluminum, it''s grindings from 6063 alloy.

[pezman]

Good lord -- aluminum powder, methanol, international shipping ...

The DEA will be paying a visit soon.

[El-Kablooey]

I am kind of curious about what customs will say, but I don't think either of us are doing anything illegal so "let the chips fall where they may".

[metiz]

those etc-a-sketches are full of the stuff I've read, you can buy (expensive) aluminum powder at specialised paint stores for mixing purposes
you can buy it freely online
you could file down a aluminium bar

I don't now what could possibly be illegal about the stuff

[pezman]

It's not illegal, and you guys certainly aren't contemplating breaking the law. it's just that aluminum powder has all kinds of potentially nefarious uses.

Buying certain, readily available, perfectly legal items (e.g. methanol in large quantities, sodium vapor lamps, medecines with pseudoephedrine, phenylalanine etc.) can attract unwelcome attention.

It's just funny that this hobby uses so many of the items that have interesting "off-label" potential.

[NickC]

whenever you use aluminum powder with a nitrate dont you need to add 1% boric acid? I believe united nuclear sells boric acid in powdered form.