Aluminium-gallium Master Alloy，Aluminium gallium Alloy，AlGa Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Gallium Master Alloy (Al-Ga Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Gallium Master Alloy (Al-Ga Alloy) is a specialized low-melting-point alloy system that utilizes gallium's unique properties to modify aluminium's characteristics. Gallium forms a eutectic system with aluminium, significantly lowering melting points and altering surface properties. This master alloy finds applications in specialized low-temperature casting, sacrificial anodes, and advanced material systems including hydrogen generation technologies. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Ga master alloys are referenced in several international specifications: - **ASTM:** ASTM B179 (Standard Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and Molten Forms) - **ISO:** ISO 209-1 (Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys) - **EN:** EN 1676 (Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Master alloys) - **AWS:** A5.10/A5.10M (Aluminum Alloy Filler Metals) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-5%Ga, Al-10%Ga, Al-20%Ga, Al-40%Ga --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Ga master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Gallium (Ga) | 2.0 – 40.0 | Primary alloying element | | Indium (In) | 0 – 5.0 | Often co-added for enhanced properties | | Tin (Sn) | 0 – 3.0 | Optional addition for specific applications | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.10 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 2.8 – 4.2 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 26 – 660°C (Ga melts at 29.8°C) | | Eutectic Temperature | 26.6°C (Al-Ga binary) | | Thermal Conductivity | 70 – 120 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 30 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 20 – 60 HV (varies with Ga content) | | Corrosion Potential | -1.0 to -1.2 V vs. SCE | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Low Melting Point:** Forms low-temperature eutectics enabling unique processing - **Hydrogen Generation:** Reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas - **Sacrificial Properties:** Enhanced cathodic protection capabilities - **Liquid Metal Embrittlement:** Alters surface and grain boundary properties - **Wettability Improvement:** Enhances wetting on various substrates - **Thermal Management:** Suitable for low-melting-point thermal interface materials --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Hydrogen Production:** Aluminum-water reactors for on-demand hydrogen generation - **Sacrificial Anodes:** Enhanced cathodic protection in marine environments - **Liquid Metal Alloys:** Component in gallium-based liquid metal systems - **Thermal Interface Materials:** Low-melting-point thermal management solutions - **Brazing Alloys:** Low-temperature aluminum brazing applications - **Research & Development:** Experimental alloys and material studies - **Battery Technology:** Anode materials for advanced battery systems --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder, foil, custom shapes - **Liquid Forms:** Molten alloy in sealed containers (for high Ga content) - **Standard Sizes:** 1–10 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–10.0% Ga to the melt (depending on application) - **Melt Temperature:** 600–750°C (lower temperatures preferred) - **Holding Time:** 20–40 minutes for homogenization - **Stirring:** Gentle mechanical stirring to prevent segregation - **Safety:** Special precautions for Ga-containing fumes - **Storage:** Sealed containers to prevent oxidation and Ga separation --- ### **9. Hydrogen Generation Performance** | Ga Content (%) | Hydrogen Yield (L/kg Al) | Reaction Rate | Water Temperature | |----------------|--------------------------|---------------|-------------------| | **5** | 1100–1200 | Moderate | 25–50°C | | **10** | 1150–1250 | High | 25–50°C | | **20** | 1200–1300 | Very High | 25–50°C | | **40** | 1250–1350 | Extremely High| 25–50°C | --- ### **10. Metallurgical Characteristics** - Forms AlGa and Al₃Ga intermetallic phases - Creates grain boundary networks of liquid Ga at elevated temperatures - Enhances aluminum's reactivity through galvanic mechanisms - Modifies surface oxide layer properties - Enables low-temperature processing routes --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Gallium content consistency (±0.5%) - Homogeneous distribution verification - Low oxide content certification - Moisture control (for hydrogen applications) - Particle size distribution (for powder forms) --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Toxicity:** Gallium compounds have low to moderate toxicity - **Personal Protection:** Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, ventilation - **Skin Contact:** May cause irritation; gallium stains skin - **Environmental:** Avoid release to environment - **First Aid:** Wash thoroughly with water after contact - **Storage:** Cool, dry conditions in sealed containers --- ### **13. Special Handling Considerations** - Liquid Ga separation may occur in high-Ga alloys above 30°C - Avoid contact with stainless steel (causes embrittlement) - Use polyethylene or glass containers for storage - Prevent contamination with mercury or other low-melting metals - Implement spill containment measures --- ### **14. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Gallium Source:** Primarily from aluminum production or zinc processing - **Cost Factors:** Moderate cost, subject to electronics industry demand - **Supply Chain:** Relatively stable with some geographic concentration - **Recycling:** Important for sustainable use in specialized applications --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Hydrogen Storage:** Advanced aluminum-water reaction systems - **Liquid Metal Composites:** Gallium-aluminum composites for soft electronics - **Battery Anodes:** High-capacity anode materials for Li-ion batteries - **Self-Healing Materials:** Gallium-containing alloys with self-repair capabilities - **Thermal Interface Materials:** Advanced thermal management solutions --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions. Al-Ga alloys require special handling and safety precautions, particularly for hydrogen generation applications. Users must conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement appropriate safety measures. Always follow good laboratory practices and consult with materials safety specialists. The manufacturer is not liable for misuse or application failures.

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 2293 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.