Reviews and Analysis of STARIUM Metal
Review and Analysis By Milo Kral BE, MSc, PhD
Analysis of Palladium – Based Alloys
You supplied me with samples of 3 palladium – based alloys for comparison. Two samples of each ally were supplied, in wire form (1mm diameter x 50mm length) and in plate form (1mm x 25mm x 25mm). Samples were labelled 7.5 (Pd45), 7.6 (PdMet, also known as STARIUM), and 7.8 (F Pd).
We originally agreed that testing would comprise:
1. Corrosion tests
2. Hardness test,
3. Resistivity measurements
In addition, I performed scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis to confirm the compositions.
Summary:
These tests indicate that there was no unusual corrosion, mechanical or electrical behaviour of the sample labelled PdMet (known as STARIUM). I made sure the samples were labelled correctly, and that they conformed to the reported compositions.
The effect of adding alloying elements to pure palladium had the expected outcomes:
The Pd45 alloy was the hardest, pure Pd was the softest and STARIUM was in between.
The Pd45 alloy had the highest electrical resistivity, pure Pd had the lowest and STARIUM was in between.
In the case of corrosion behaviour (which is more complex), the pd45 appears to be superior to STARIUM and pure Palladium, which behave similar to each other
Associate Professor:
Milo Kral BE, MSc, PhD (Vanderbilt University)
Head Of Mechanical Engineering
Report 10-12-008.R1
17 December 2010
Test Facility:
UCOC, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Department Of Mechanical Engineering.
ETRI -Project Coordinator:
Ben Robins
Website:
www.mech.canterbury.ac.nz
Review and Analysis By Martin Roesyler, Goldsmith
I have been a master jeweller and involved in every aspect of the jewellery trade for over 30 years and have worked with all metals, both precious and otherwise, available on the market in this time.
Recently Hugh Gillbanks has brought to my attention a new precious metal alloy that he has patented and created alongside Kotin Ma Hau Cheung, which he has asked for my expertise and opinion.
What appealed to me firstly was visually the shine and the clarity of the metal and then when handling how it felt differently in my hand as opposed to other metals I have previously worked with. This is something only another jeweller or someone in the metal business might appreciate.
In regards to testing this metal my findings are as follows:
- Very similar in colour to platinum
- Whiter in colour than 18k white gold and palladium
- It does not tarnish and therefore does not require plating a major plus factor
- This metal when exposed to extreme heat does not tarnish, it does however fire burn
but using flux and dipping in acid it clears back to a high polish
- Rolls and bends like most other metals
- Sets and engraves like any other metal
- Stretches like any other metal
- Pulls down like any other metal
- Stamps like any other metal
- Solders very easily, platinum solder in keeping to the same colour to the metal
I found the STARIUM metal an absolute pleasure to work with and I hope that other master jewellers and craftsmen in my profession have the opportunity to work with this unique new and exciting precious alloy metal.
When available to purchase I would certainly be happy to produce high quality jewellery with the STARIUM.
Martin Roesyler, Goldsmith
Corner Victoria and Collingwood Streets,
Hamilton, Brisbane, QLD, Australia