Aluminum powder?

Question

Hi folks,I'm just getting started with fusing and was able to get a bunch of equipment and supplies from someone going out of business dirt cheap. They threw in about 400 lbs. of aluminum powder. Since my only previous experience with the stuff has been using it to start damp campfires, I'm a little apprehensive about sprinkling it on the glass and firing it up to 1500F. Not sure how else to use it, though, other than mix it with bead release and make homemade sparklers.  ;)  Have any of you had any experience/luck/catastrophic fires with Al powder? Thanks!VJ

David Billington · Accepted Answer

Good reason to be concerned as it is potentially dangerous. You need to know the size of the Al particles, IIRC the finer the more the problem. A fireworks manufacturer would probably be able to advise. In the US I have read you have regulations regarding the transport of more dangerous grades if shipped in sufficient quantity which may only be lbs. I would suspect though that if the guy had 400lbs of a hazardous grade he would have been subject to appropriate government regs especially after 9/11, worth checking though as they could just have passed on the responsibility to you although legally I don't think they can do that.V

michele · Answer

you sure it isn't alumina powder? that stuff is used more as a release agent instead of kiln wash???? fusing aluminum powder does not produce any desirable effects in my experience. I was given a bunch of various metallic powders from cosmetic testing and tested them all.....m

Javahut · Answer

Aluminum Oxide? Usually sold in large bags, 50 lbs -100 lbs. different grit, most common in my area is 60-80? Used in air abrasive techniques, I hesitate to say "sand blasting" when using this instead of sand. Used generally in a reclaiming situation,booth or tabletop cabinet, so it can be reused.

Is there a package of some sort with any kind of label?

Vince · Answer

It's definitely aluminum powder. One drum is a mix of aluminum and copper powder, the rest is all "brilliant aluminum" powder (with some mineral spirits and fatty acids content as well). Sounds like it was probably used in some other part of his operations, not the glassworking. I'll talk with the fire marshal about how to get rid of the stuff. Thanks again for the advice!

Vince

David Billington · Answer

Vince you might want to post these latest details on  as at least one of the regulars has pyrotechnic experience and he and others there may be able to shed light on the uses for these materials.V

Diadem · Answer

Can you post more details from the label?Company of manufactureGradeDateLot#V

krackerjack9 · Answer

well if it is aluminum powder im sure if you wanted to sell it say for$3.00lb your email would have over 1000 replys by the end of the day.

Aluminum powder?

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