11 replies to this topic

[Douchermann]

Hey, i was wondering if i could just mix magnesium powder and aluminum powder together and use that as magnalium. Im not new to the pyroworld, just new to inorganic stars and dragons eggs. I have everything to make the dragons eggs, using Pb3o4 (i have a gasmask, gloves and goggles, don't worry) i just don't have the magnalium. Also, how does the dragon eggs composition burn unbound (just the free powder), compared to a star made out of it.

[Andrew]

as far as I know, it is dependant on the alloy, could be wrong I've never tried it before.

[chemicalwazi]

Hey, i was wondering if i could just mix magnesium powder and aluminum powder together and use that as magnalium.

I does work, but its not great. You really need the real thing as an alloy.

Edited by chemicalwazi, 27 June 2005 - 03:20 PM.

[Douchermann]

Magnalium can ignite right? like magnesium? if so, what is the auto-ignition temp of it because i might try melting the two together.

[Richard H]

Surely it would be wiser to do this in a crucible, where the aim is to melt the two metals to make an alloy. Ignition is undesirable, unless the end product you seek is a pile of aluminium and magnesium oxide.

[Douchermann]

No i was wondering what the auto ignition was so i could regulate the temp so they didn't ignite when they were molten togheter, like what temp to keep it below.

[sasman]

If you try melting Aluminium powder + Magnesium powder you wont get much success.. Most of the fine powder will oxidise and all you will get is a massive amount of dross...

Even using Magnesium and aluminium turnings you get loads of dross...

Edited by sasman, 27 June 2005 - 07:49 PM.

[Douchermann]

Well that sucks. I'll just have to order some magnalium when i get the money. Thanks anyways.

[Andrew]

The flash point of magnesium is 634 degrees C with exposure to 21% oxygen, now here is the funny bit, it does not melt until 650 degree C. It's autoignition temperature is only 510 degrees C.

When melting Al or Mg or both, it's needs to be done under an inert atmosphere. This is quite a tricky thing to do.

[alany]

With a suitable flux you can do it in an open crucible, but it is best to just use a closed crucible. If it does ignite put a lid on it, or sprinkle it with sulfur and it will go out.

[Douchermann]

I just as soon buy it, i mean i don't even have a ball mill and i've been meaning to make one. Plus, its only like 14 dollars for half a pound (skylighter can only ship it with 50percent magnesium turnings)

[alany]

Yeah if you are in the US it is fairly easy to get commercially.

You don't really need a mill to make it though, it is so brittle you can smash it up with a hammer. Especially so for dragon eggs that need more coarse material for loud crackles.