Someone I know wants to know of the best way to melt ruthenium, which, unfortunately, melts at 2000*+. They have a powder and want a solid lump of it
for an element collection. Any ideas? He asked me about UK companies that could do this for him, but I wasn't sure and a Google search was no help. Adas - 5-2-2012 at 12:51
Tell him to try induction heating. This may work.Hexavalent - 5-2-2012 at 12:51
Simply put you put the conducting powder into a coil of metal that has a high frequency alternating current going through it. The coil acts like the
primary of a transformer, and the conductive powder acts as the (shorted out) secondary. The powder has a lot of current flowing through it, and
starts getting hot through resistive heating.
Generating high currents at frequencies above 50-60 Hz distribution frequencies requires special equipment. One exception is the use of a microwave
oven, which I will let you search for yourself. You might consider what reactivity Ruthenium has with air, and perhaps plan to use an inert gas
atmosphere on it.
[Edited on 6-2-2012 by Mr. Wizard]Engager - 5-2-2012 at 18:53
Melt it using electric arc, use carbon crucible and carbon rod assembly covered by protective gas to prevent oxidation.
