Aluminium-erbium Master Alloy，Aluminium erbium Alloy，AlEr Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Erbium Master Alloy (Al-Er Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Erbium Master Alloy (Al-Er Alloy) is a specialized rare earth-containing master alloy designed to introduce erbium into aluminium alloy systems. Erbium serves as a potent grain refiner and precipitation hardener, forming coherent Al₃Er precipitates that significantly enhance mechanical properties, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. This master alloy is particularly valuable for high-performance aerospace, automotive, and specialized engineering applications. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Er master alloys are referenced in several international specifications: - **ASTM:** ASTM B928 (High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Products) - **AMS:** AMS 4459 (Aluminum-Rare Earth Alloy Sheet) - **GB/T:** GB/T 27677 (Aluminium-rare earth master alloys) - **EN:** EN 1676 (Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Master alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-4%Er, Al-8%Er, Al-12%Er, Al-20%Er --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Er master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Erbium (Er) | 2.0 – 20.0 | Primary rare earth element | | Zirconium (Zr) | 0 – 5.0 | Often co-added to form Al₃(Er,Zr) | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05 | Impurity control | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.10 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 2.8 – 3.4 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 650 – 850°C | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Er, Al₃(Er,Zr) | | Lattice Parameter | a = 4.215 Å (cubic L1₂ structure) | | Thermal Conductivity | 100 – 150 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 30 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 50 – 120 HV (varies with Er content) | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Superior Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through Al₃Er nucleation sites - **Precipitation Strengthening:** Forms nanoscale Al₃Er precipitates with high coherency - **Thermal Stability:** Maintains mechanical properties up to 400°C - **Corrosion Resistance:** Enhances pitting and stress corrosion resistance - **Recrystallization Inhibition:** Suppresses recrystallization in wrought alloys - **Synergistic Effects:** Enhanced performance when combined with zirconium --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Aerospace Structures:** Airframe components, wing skins, fuselage panels - **Automotive:** High-temperature engine components, pistons, turbocharger parts - **Nuclear Applications:** Moderate neutron absorption components - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for high-strength 3D printing - **Marine Equipment:** Corrosion-resistant structural components - **Sporting Goods:** High-performance bicycle frames, automotive racing parts --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, custom shapes - **Standard Sizes:** 2–10 kg ingots - **Wire:** For welding and cladding applications --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–0.8% Er to the melt (typically 0.2–0.5% for optimal effects) - **Melt Temperature:** 730–780°C - **Holding Time:** 30–60 minutes for complete dissolution - **Stirring:** Requires thorough mechanical stirring - **Heat Treatment:** Solution treatment at 500–580°C followed by aging at 300–400°C --- ### **9. Metallurgical Mechanisms** - Forms coherent L1₂-structured Al₃Er precipitates - Provides Orowan strengthening mechanism - Enhances Zener pinning of grain boundaries - Improves quench sensitivity - Increases recrystallization temperature by 50–100°C --- ### **10. Performance Comparison with Other RE Elements** | Rare Earth Element | Precipitation Strength | Thermal Stability | Cost | Availability | |--------------------|-----------------------|-------------------|------|--------------| | **Erbium (Er)** | Excellent | Very Good | High | Limited | | **Scandium (Sc)** | Excellent | Good | Very High | Scarce | | **Yttrium (Y)** | Good | Excellent | Medium | Good | | **Cerium (Ce)** | Fair | Good | Low | Good | --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Erbium content consistency (±0.3%) - Low gas content (hydrogen < 0.15 ml/100g) - Homogeneous distribution of intermetallic phases - Controlled particle size distribution - Certification of chemical composition --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Toxicity:** Erbium compounds generally have low toxicity - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles during processing - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE required - **Storage:** Dry, controlled environment to prevent oxidation - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **13. Economic Considerations** - **Cost Factor:** Higher cost due to rare earth element content - **Value Proposition:** Justified by performance benefits in critical applications - **Supply Chain:** Stable but limited production volumes - **Recycling:** Important to recover from manufacturing scrap --- ### **14. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanoscale Precipitates:** Optimization of Al₃Er precipitate size and distribution - **Multi-element Alloys:** Development of Al-Er-Zr, Al-Er-Sc, and other complex systems - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialized powders for laser powder bed fusion - **High-Strain-Rate Applications:** Ballistic and impact-resistant alloys --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions, processing parameters, and heat treatment practices. Due to the specialized nature and cost of erbium-containing alloys, users are advised to conduct comprehensive testing and technical-economic evaluation before implementation. Always follow appropriate safety guidelines and regulatory requirements for rare earth materials. Consult with materials engineering specialists for critical applications.

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 2291 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.