A Brief Overview of the Versatile Metal Scandium

​A rare earth element (REE), scandium is soft, silvery-white, tarnishes in the air, reacts with water, and burns easily. Lightweight, its density resembles aluminum but has a far higher melting point. Widely distributed, over 800 mineral species contain minute traces. Its name stems from Scandinavia and remains the primary component of the mineral thortveitite, found in that region of northern Europe. First produced in 1937 through a molten scandium chloride electrolysis process, scandium does not occur naturally as a metal. 

Scandium’s light, strong character makes it ideal for high strength-to-weight ratio applications. Since it melts at 2806 degrees Fahrenheit, it suits high-temperature applications. Professionals have combined scandium with aluminum in alloys to produce performance bicycle frames and baseball bats. The most noteworthy use of scandium-aluminum alloys is in aircraft engines and structural parts, where fuel efficiency and strength are major considerations. It enhances material durability and resistance to stress, corrosion, cracking, and fatigue.

Extracting scandium is a high priority, and ElementUSA is pursuing an ambitious industrial waste recycling program that takes refinery waste, known as bauxite residue, and extracts iron, alumina, and REE, such as scandium, neodymium, and praseodymium.

David D'Addario, New Day Aluminum LLC

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