Aluminium-germanium Master Alloy，Aluminium germanium Alloy，AlGe Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Germanium Master Alloy (Al-Ge Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Germanium Master Alloy (Al-Ge Alloy) is a specialized alloy system that utilizes germanium's unique properties to modify aluminium's characteristics. Germanium forms a eutectic system with aluminium and serves as an effective silicon modifier, while also finding applications in specialized electronic and optical materials. This master alloy enables precise control of microstructure and properties in aluminium casting alloys. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Ge 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) - **GB/T:** GB/T 8734 (Aluminium alloy master alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-10%Ge, Al-20%Ge, Al-33%Ge (eutectic), Al-50%Ge --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Ge master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Germanium (Ge) | 5.0 – 50.0 | Primary alloying element | | Silicon (Si) | 0 – 5.0 | Often present for specific applications | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05 | Impurity control | | Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.05 | Impurity control | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.10 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 2.9 – 4.2 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 424 – 660°C | | Eutectic Temperature | 424°C (Al-33%Ge) | | Eutectic Composition | 33% Ge, 67% Al | | Thermal Conductivity | 60 – 120 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 25 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 40 – 90 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 18–23 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Low Melting Eutectic:** Enables low-temperature processing at 424°C - **Silicon Modification:** Effective modifier for hypereutectic Al-Si alloys - **Electronic Properties:** Semi-conducting characteristics in specific compositions - **Wear Resistance:** Hard germanium particles enhance abrasion resistance - **Casting Fluidity:** Excellent mold-filling characteristics - **Thermal Management:** Suitable for electronic packaging applications --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Electronic Packaging:** Heat sinks and thermal management components - **Optical Materials:** Infrared optical components and reflectors - **Wear-Resistant Alloys:** Automotive engine components, pistons - **Brazing Alloys:** Low-temperature aluminium brazing applications - **Solar Cells:** Germanium substrates for multi-junction solar cells - **Research & Development:** Experimental alloys for specialized applications - **Semiconductor Industry:** Dopant sources and substrate materials --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder, foil, sputtering targets - **High-Purity Grades:** 99.999% for electronic applications - **Standard Sizes:** 2–10 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–5.0% Ge to the melt (depending on application) - **Melt Temperature:** 650–750°C - **Holding Time:** 20–40 minutes for complete dissolution - **Stirring:** Gentle mechanical stirring recommended - **Modification:** Effective for silicon contents up to 20% - **Cooling Rate:** Controlled solidification for optimal structure --- ### **9. Eutectic and Microstructural Characteristics** | Composition Range | Primary Phase | Eutectic Structure | Applications | |-------------------|---------------|-------------------|--------------| | **<33% Ge** | Al-rich | Al + Al-Ge eutectic | Structural | | **33% Ge** | Eutectic only | Fine lamellar | Brazing, Electronics | | **>33% Ge** | Ge-rich | Ge + Al-Ge eutectic | Electronic | --- ### **10. Performance in Al-Si Alloys** | Ge Addition (%) | Si Modification | Hardness Increase | Wear Resistance | |-----------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------------| | **0.5–1.0** | Moderate | 10–15% | Good | | **1.0–2.0** | Good | 15–25% | Very Good | | **2.0–3.0** | Excellent | 25–35% | Excellent | --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Germanium content consistency (±0.3%) - Microstructural homogeneity - Low gas content (hydrogen < 0.12 ml/100g) - Controlled oxide inclusion levels - Certification of chemical composition --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Toxicity:** Germanium metal has low toxicity, but compounds vary - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles during processing - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE required - **Ventilation:** Adequate fume extraction recommended - **Storage:** Dry, controlled environment - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **13. Economic Considerations** - **Germanium Source:** Primarily from zinc ore processing and coal fly ash - **Cost Factors:** Higher cost due to limited production and refining complexity - **Supply Chain:** Geopolitically sensitive with concentrated production - **Recycling:** High value makes recycling economically attractive --- ### **14. Specialized Applications Detail** **Electronic Packaging:** - Coefficient of thermal expansion matching silicon chips - Excellent thermal conductivity for heat dissipation - Good mechanical properties for structural support **Infrared Optics:** - High refractive index in infrared spectrum - Suitable for infrared windows and lenses - Good mechanical stability --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Quantum Materials:** Al-Ge systems for quantum computing applications - **Thermoelectric Materials:** Germanium-aluminium composites for energy conversion - **Advanced Composites:** Nanostructured Al-Ge composites - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for 3D printing electronic components --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions and processing parameters. Germanium is a strategic material with supply chain considerations. Users are advised to conduct thorough testing and technical-economic evaluation before implementation. Always follow appropriate safety guidelines and regulatory requirements. Consult with materials engineering specialists for critical applications in electronic and optical fields.

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 2294 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.