
Thread 184/29
Aluminium wetting against iron
My problem is somewhat different but perhaps someone can help. I want to improve the wetting of liquid aluminium against cast iron. Does anyone know a coating that could be applied to the iron to improve the wetting?
Kevin Still- Coahuila, Mexico
2002
publicly reply to Kevin Still
Brush on silica gel or magnesium hydroxide from an aqueous suspension. Sodium silicate solution will probably work as well and may adhere better. The liquid aluminum wets the silica (or magnesia), creating a tiny thermite reaction. A coating of magnesium or zinc would also work.
Ken Vlach [deceased]- Goleta, California

Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
2002
publicly reply to Ken Vlach
Aluminum wetting against iron . I read the answer (by Mr. Ken Vlach) concerning the use of magnesium hydroxide in aqueous suspension to improve the wetting of liquid aluminum against cast iron.
I'd like to know more about this suggestion. For example which is the best concentration on MgOH in water and all is useful to apply this tip.
Production of aluminum objects - Cuneo, Italy
2006
publicly reply to Clerici Davide
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