Your online catalog notes a material's purity by the notations 3N, 4N, 4N5.  What do these notations mean?

We use the symbol "N" to avoid confusion when referring to high purities.  Thus 2N indicates a purity of 99%, 2N5=99.5%, 5N8=99.9998%, 6N=99.9999% and so on.   The purities of rare earth products are based on purities relative to other rare earths only.  Unavoidable contamination from reducing agents or crucible materials, which may account for several percentage points, are not included.

My son is doing a science project for the local science fair.  Can I purchase materials from you?

As much as we'd like to help your son with his science project we are restricted from selling to individuals.  Because we sell materials which are hazardous we must verify that our sales are made to established companies.  Before we can sell to any company, even if the purchase will be made using a credit card, we must receive and verify a bank reference and three relevant trade references.

I have a requirement for three metric tons of various materials; can you help me with my requirement?

We specialize in supplying small quantities of materials for research.  While we can supply kilogram quantities of most materials we cannot supply tons.

I need a good replacement for organic cleaning solutions like trichloroethylene. Would DeContam® be a good choice?

Yes, DeContam® would be a great replacement. DeContam® is water based and non-hazardous. For more detailed information you can review our technical data sheet - DeContam®.

I need a fine nickel powder. Your online catalog shows that you stock two sizes, a -100 mesh and a -325 mesh. Can you explain the concept of ‘mesh’ sizes to me?

The term mesh refers to a screen with a certain mesh or hole size that the powder passed through. For a more detailed explanation you can refer to our mesh technical data sheet - Understanding Mesh Sizes.