1. Weigh all ingredients and determine percentages by weight.
   
   
2. Mix aluminum powder, TX-150, and salt; pour in 14-20°C water and mix with a 4-in. shear stirrer rotating at 1200 rpm for 45-120 s on a variable-speed drill press until all of the polyethylene powder is wet. Add one drop of household liquid detergent to help wet the polyethylene powder.
   
   
3. Because air bubbles are easily formed in this mixture, constantly rotate the bucket and move it up and down to ensure proper mixing. When the mixture starts to set (thicken), slow the drill press to about 800 rpm to avoid formation of air bubbles (essential!). The setting time of TX-150 varies by factory batch, so proper water temperature and mixing time must be determined by experience. If the mixture is not stirred long enough, the aluminum powder will sink; if stirred too long, the mixture will be too hard to pour.
   
   
4. Pour the mixture into the mold, slowly, to allow air bubbles to escape from the mixture.

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