Aluminium-gadolinium Master Alloy，Aluminium gadolinium Alloy，AlGd Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Gadolinium Master Alloy (Al-Gd Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Gadolinium Master Alloy (Al-Gd Alloy) is a specialized rare earth-containing alloy that utilizes gadolinium as a key microalloying element. Gadolinium exhibits the highest thermal neutron absorption cross-section among all stable elements, making Al-Gd alloys particularly valuable for nuclear applications. Additionally, gadolinium enhances high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and provides unique magnetic properties to aluminium alloys. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Gd 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-5%Gd, Al-10%Gd, Al-15%Gd, Al-25%Gd --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Gd master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Gadolinium (Gd) | 2.0 – 25.0 | Primary rare earth element | | Other RE Elements | ≤ 3.0 | May include Dy, Er, Y | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0 – 6.0 | Optional addition for enhanced strength | | 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 – 900°C | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Gd, Al₂Gd, AlGd | | Thermal Neutron Cross Section | 49,000 barns | | Thermal Conductivity | 80 – 130 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 25 – 40 % IACS | | Magnetic Properties | Paramagnetic at room temperature | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Exceptional Neutron Absorption:** Highest thermal neutron capture cross-section among stable elements - **High-Temperature Strength:** Maintains mechanical properties up to 400°C - **Corrosion Resistance:** Enhanced resistance to various corrosive environments - **Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through Al₃Gd formation - **Magnetic Properties:** Unique magnetic characteristics for specialized applications - **Radiation Stability:** Good performance in radiation environments --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Nuclear Industry:** Neutron shielding, control rods, spent fuel storage - **Aerospace:** High-temperature structural components - **Medical Radiation Shielding:** Equipment housings, portable shields - **Research Reactors:** Experimental components, shielding assemblies - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for nuclear-grade 3D printing - **Magnetic Devices:** Components requiring specific magnetic properties --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, custom shapes - **Standard Sizes:** 2–10 kg ingots - **Fabricated Products:** Sheet, plate, extruded shapes --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.5–5.0% Gd to the melt (depending on application) - **Melt Temperature:** 750–850°C - **Holding Time:** 45–90 minutes for complete dissolution - **Stirring:** Requires thorough mechanical stirring - **Atmosphere:** Recommended under argon or vacuum conditions - **Casting Temperature:** 700–780°C --- ### **9. Nuclear Properties** | Property | Value | |---------------------------|---------------------------| | Thermal Neutron Cross Section | 49,000 barns | | Resonance Integral | 550 barns | | Natural Abundance | 15-20% in rare earth ores | | Isotopes | Gd-155, Gd-157 (most effective) | --- ### **10. Metallurgical Effects** - Forms Al₃Gd intermetallic compounds with L1₂ crystal structure - Provides dispersion strengthening through coherent precipitates - Enhances recrystallization temperature - Improves high-temperature creep resistance - Refines grain structure through heterogeneous nucleation --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Gadolinium content consistency (±0.5%) - Neutron absorption efficiency verification - Low gas content certification - Homogeneous microstructure - Trace element analysis - Radiation stability testing --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Radioactivity:** Naturally occurring gadolinium has low radioactivity - **Dust Precautions:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles - use NIOSH-approved respirators - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE with added respiratory protection - **Storage:** Dry, controlled environment with proper ventilation - **Radiation Monitoring:** Required for nuclear applications - **Disposal:** Follow nuclear material disposal protocols when activated --- ### **13. Supply Chain Considerations** - **Critical Material:** Gadolinium is a strategic rare earth element - **Supply Security:** Subject to geopolitical considerations - **Cost Factors:** Higher cost due to rare earth processing - **Recycling:** Essential for sustainable use in nuclear applications - **Quality Assurance:** Strict certification requirements for nuclear grades --- ### **14. Performance in Nuclear Applications** | Application | Gd Content (%) | Key Benefit | Performance Metric | |-----------------------|----------------|-------------|-------------------| | **Radiation Shielding** | 2–10 | Neutron absorption | 90–99% reduction | | **Control Rods** | 5–15 | Burnable poison | Long service life | | **Storage Casks** | 3–8 | Criticality control | Enhanced safety | | **Research Equipment**| 1–5 | Radiation protection | Weight efficiency | --- ### **15. Research & Development** - **Advanced Alloys:** Development of Al-Gd-Mg and Al-Gd-Zr systems - **Additive Manufacturing:** Optimization for nuclear component production - **Composite Materials:** Al-Gd composites with enhanced properties - **Recycling Technologies:** Efficient recovery of gadolinium from scrap --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions. Al-Gd alloys for nuclear applications require special licensing, quality assurance programs, and regulatory compliance. Users must conduct comprehensive testing and obtain necessary certifications before implementation. Always follow nuclear safety protocols and regulatory requirements. Consultation with nuclear materials specialists is essential 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 2292 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.