Aluminium-lanthanum Master Alloy，Aluminium lanthanum Alloy，AlLa Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Lanthanum Master Alloy (Al-La Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Lanthanum Master Alloy (Al-La Alloy) is a specialized rare earth-containing alloy that utilizes lanthanum to enhance the properties of aluminium alloys. Lanthanum serves as an effective grain refiner, hydrogen scavenger, and modifier of intermetallic phases, significantly improving mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance. This master alloy finds applications in premium automotive, aerospace, and specialty casting applications. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-La master alloys are referenced in several international specifications: - **ASTM:** ASTM B928 (High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Products) - **EN:** EN 1676 (Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Master alloys) - **GB/T:** GB/T 27677 (Aluminium-rare earth master alloys) - **ISO:** ISO 209-1 (Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-5%La, Al-10%La, Al-15%La, Al-20%La --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-La master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Lanthanum (La) | 2.0 – 20.0 | Primary rare earth element | | Cerium (Ce) | 0 – 10.0 | Often present in mixed rare earth form | | Other RE Elements | ≤ 5.0 | Natural occurrence in rare earth mixtures| | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0 – 6.0 | Optional addition for enhanced properties| | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.10 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 2.9 – 3.8 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 650 – 920°C | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₄La, Al₁₁La₃, AlLa, Al₃La | | Thermal Conductivity | 90 – 140 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 30 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 50 – 110 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 20–24 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Excellent Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through Al₄La nucleation - **Hydrogen Scavenging:** Reduces hydrogen gas porosity in castings - **Intermetallic Modification:** Transforms harmful iron-rich phases into harmless compounds - **High-Temperature Strength:** Maintains properties up to 400°C - **Corrosion Resistance:** Enhances resistance to various corrosive environments - **Improved Fluidity:** Better mold filling characteristics in casting applications --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Automotive Engine Parts:** Cylinder heads, pistons, engine blocks - **Aerospace Components:** Structural parts requiring high temperature stability - **Electrical Conductors:** Overhead transmission lines with improved strength - **Heat Exchangers:** Components for elevated temperature service - **Marine Applications:** Corrosion-resistant structural components - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for high-performance 3D printing - **Packaging Materials:** High-strength foil and can stock --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, custom shapes - **Mixed RE Grades:** Al-La-Ce compositions for cost-effective applications - **Standard Sizes:** 2–10 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–3.0% La to the melt (typically 0.2–1.0% for optimal effects) - **Melt Temperature:** 730–800°C - **Holding Time:** 20–45 minutes for complete reaction - **Stirring:** Gentle mechanical stirring recommended - **Treatment Window:** Optimal effectiveness within 20–60 minutes after addition - **Cooling Rate:** Moderate to prevent excessive segregation --- ### **9. Microstructural Effects** | La Addition (%) | Grain Size Reduction | Porosity Reduction | Iron Phase Modification | |-----------------|----------------------|-------------------|------------------------| | **0.1–0.3** | 20–35% | 30–50% | Moderate | | **0.3–0.6** | 35–50% | 50–70% | Good | | **0.6–1.0** | 50–65% | 70–85% | Excellent | --- ### **10. Performance Comparison with Other Modifiers** | Modifier | Grain Refinement | Porosity Reduction | Cost | High-Temperature Performance | |----------|------------------|-------------------|------|-----------------------------| | **Lanthanum** | Excellent | Very Good | Medium | Very Good | | **Titanium** | Excellent | Poor | Low | Fair | | **Strontium** | Poor | Good | Medium | Poor | | **Scandium** | Excellent | Good | Very High | Excellent | --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Lanthanum content consistency (±0.3%) - Hydrogen content reduction verification - Grain size measurement and certification - Intermetallic phase distribution analysis - Chemical composition certification --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Toxicity:** Lanthanum compounds generally have low toxicity - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles during processing - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE required - **Ventilation:** Adequate fume extraction recommended - **Storage:** Dry, controlled environment to prevent oxidation - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **13. Economic Considerations** - **Cost Factors:** Moderate cost compared to other rare earth elements - **Supply Security:** Relatively stable supply as most abundant rare earth - **Value Proposition:** Cost-effective for performance improvement in critical applications - **Recycling:** Compatible with standard aluminium recycling processes --- ### **14. Specialized Applications Detail** **Automotive Engine Blocks:** - Reduced porosity for pressure-tight castings - Improved high-temperature strength - Enhanced corrosion resistance against coolants **Aerospace Structures:** - Good strength-to-weight ratio - Elevated temperature capability - Improved fatigue performance --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanoscale Modification:** Control of Al₄La precipitate size and distribution - **Multi-element Systems:** Al-La-Mg and Al-La-Zn complex alloys - **Additive Manufacturing:** Optimized powders for aerospace 3D printing - **Recycling Technologies:** Improved recovery of lanthanum from aluminium scrap - **High-Strength Conductors:** Development of Al-La alloys for electrical applications --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions, processing parameters, and base alloy composition. Users are advised to conduct comprehensive testing to determine suitability for their specific processes. While lanthanum is the most abundant rare earth element, its supply is subject to market dynamics. Always follow good foundry practices and safety guidelines. Consult with materials engineering specialists for critical applications in automotive and aerospace industries.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2298 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.