Scandium tanks?

[Alan Garrett]

I was reading one of my shooting magazines the other day and saw where some gun makers are adding a small amount of the element Scandium to their aluminum alloys used to make pistol frames. They claim that the Scandium nearly doubles the tensile strength of the alloy yet keeps the frames very light. As I have said before, I am not a metalurgist or materials guru, but I wonder if this approach has been considered by the tank manufacturers? Maybe this "new" alloy could put the whole SLC issue with Aluminum tanks to bed for good? Just thinking out loud again. Z, Sid, anybody? :?

[Genesis]

Tensile strength ain't the whole deal.

Often you get it in exchange for elasticity. That can be bad :)

I don't know how this would translate in a tank environment though.

[tanto]

As far as I know scandium is used in welded products (like bike frames) because it significantly improves the resistance in the welded areas.
Most of the communication around scandium is marketing, though.

[bigdave]

Most of the communication around scandium is marketing, though.
In that case, we should start seeing it in diving products very soon!! 8) 8)

Cheers,
BD