• At that time, the demand for ultra-pure metal emerged as a challenge. The target was to reach 5N5 purity level (99.9995%) for high tech electronics applications. The MERCUS plant attained this level through the use of a new Pechiney segregation technique.

• This new segregation technique made it possible to ensure that certain unwanted metals (thorium and uranium which emit alpha rays) would not exceed 1 ppb (part per billion) in refined aluminum.

1993 : Pechiney High Purity's performance

• The high purity challenge has been met. The MERCUS plant could mass produce 5N5 metal (over 150 tons/year) with U+Th< 1 ppb level.

• Furthermore, the unique "controlled grain" process (PECHINEY patent) guaranted a very homogeneous fine structure of the as-cast products, which ensures an easy control of grain size on the finished targets.

• Pechiney High Purity had succeeded in mastering the entire range of aluminum purity standards from High Purity (3N-4N) to Ultra High Purity (5N-6N) -> see the High Purity Valley

1996 : PHP guarantees the 6 outstandings features of its products