"Zirconium," said National Research Corp.'s Atomic Expert Manson Benedict, "will become as important to atomics as copper is to the electrical industry." What Scientist Benedict was talking about last week was a huge new program by the Atomic Energy Commission to use almost pure zirconium as a construction material for nuclear reactors. To three companies—National Research, Carborundum Co. and National Distillers Corp. —AEC handed out contracts to buy $70 million of the metal over the next five years. From a trickle, zirconium production will soar to 2,200,000 Ibs. annually. Price: around $6.50 a lb., less than half previous costs.
The...
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