Aluminium-nickel Master Alloy，Aluminium nickel Alloy，AlNi Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Nickel Master Alloy (Al-Ni Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Nickel Master Alloy (Al-Ni Alloy) is a specialized master alloy that utilizes nickel to enhance elevated temperature properties, wear resistance, and hardness of aluminium alloys. Nickel forms intermetallic compounds with aluminium, particularly Al₃Ni, which provide excellent thermal stability and strength retention at high temperatures. This master alloy is crucial for producing piston alloys, high-temperature components, and specialized engineering applications. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Ni master alloys are specified in several international standards: - **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) - **AA:** Aluminum Association designations for 2xxx and 4xxx series alloys - **JIS:** JIS H 2118 (Aluminium alloy master alloys) - **GB/T:** GB/T 8734 (Aluminium alloy master alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-10%Ni, Al-20%Ni, Al-30%Ni, Al-50%Ni --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Ni master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Nickel (Ni) | 5.0 – 50.0 | Primary alloying element | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | 0 – 5.0 | Often co-added for specific applications | | Copper (Cu) | 0 – 4.0 | Optional addition for enhanced properties| | Magnesium (Mg) | 0 – 1.5 | Optional addition for specific alloys | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.15 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 3.0 – 4.0 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 640 – 1455°C | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Ni, Al₃Ni₂, AlNi, AlNi₃ | | Thermal Conductivity | 80 – 130 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 25 – 40 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 70 – 150 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 19–23 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **High-Temperature Strength:** Excellent retention of mechanical properties up to 350°C - **Wear Resistance:** Hard Al₃Ni particles provide superior abrasion resistance - **Thermal Stability:** Stable intermetallic phases resist coarsening at elevated temperatures - **Low Thermal Expansion:** Reduced coefficient of thermal expansion - **Casting Performance:** Good fluidity and reduced hot tearing tendency - **Corrosion Resistance:** Good resistance to various corrosive environments --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Piston Alloys:** Automotive and diesel engine pistons - **Cylinder Heads:** High-temperature engine components - **Bearings and Bushings:** Wear-resistant applications - **Turbocharger Components:** High-temperature automotive parts - **Electronic Packaging:** Controlled expansion applications - **Heat Exchangers:** Elevated temperature service components - **Tooling and Molds:** Wear-resistant tooling applications --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, waffle plates - **Wrought Products:** Limited availability for specialized applications - **Special Forms:** Powder, custom shapes for specific requirements - **Standard Sizes:** 5–15 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 1.0–5.0% Ni to the melt (depending on application) - **Melt Temperature:** 750–850°C - **Holding Time:** 30–90 minutes for complete dissolution - **Stirring:** Vigorous mechanical stirring required - **Casting Temperature:** 700–780°C - **Cooling Rate:** Controlled to optimize Al₃Ni distribution --- ### **9. Mechanical Properties at Elevated Temperatures** | Temperature (°C) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Strength Retention (%) | |------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|------------------------| | **25** | 280–350 | 320–400 | 100 | | **150** | 220–280 | 260–320 | 75–80 | | **250** | 180–230 | 210–270 | 60–65 | | **350** | 140–180 | 160–210 | 45–50 | --- ### **10. Common Commercial Alloys** | Alloy/Application | Ni Content (%) | Key Features | Typical Uses | |-------------------|----------------|--------------|--------------| | **Piston Alloys** | 1.0–3.0 | High temperature strength | Automotive pistons | | **Bearing Alloys** | 2.0–4.0 | Wear resistance | Bushings, bearings | | **201.0 Castings** | 0.5–1.5 | Elevated temperature properties | Cylinder heads | | **390.0 Castings** | 0.5–1.5 | Wear resistance | Engine blocks | --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Nickel content consistency (±0.2%) - Homogeneous Al₃Ni particle distribution - Controlled intermetallic particle size (typically 5–50 μm) - Low gas content (< 0.15 ml/100g) - Chemical composition certification --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Standard Handling:** Generally safe with standard precautions - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles during processing - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE required - **Ventilation:** Adequate fume extraction recommended - **Nickel Allergy:** Some individuals may have nickel sensitivity - **Storage:** Dry conditions to prevent oxidation --- ### **13. Microstructural Characteristics** - **Primary Al₃Ni:** Needle or Chinese script morphology in cast structures - **Eutectic Al₃Ni:** Fine fibrous or lamellar structure - **Particle Size:** Controlled through solidification rate and heat treatment - **Distribution:** Homogeneous distribution essential for optimal properties --- ### **14. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Cost Factors:** Moderate cost, subject to nickel market fluctuations - **Supply Security:** Stable global supply chain - **Processing Efficiency:** Good recovery rates in alloying process - **Recycling:** Compatible with standard aluminium recycling streams --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanostructured Alloys:** Control of Al₃Ni precipitate size at nanoscale - **Rapid Solidification:** Finer microstructures through advanced casting techniques - **Composite Materials:** Al-Ni composites with enhanced properties - **Additive Manufacturing:** Development of specialized powders for 3D printing - **High-Temperature Applications:** Alloys for service above 400°C --- ### **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. Nickel-containing alloys may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Users are advised to conduct thorough testing to determine suitability for their specific applications. Always follow good manufacturing practices and safety guidelines, particularly regarding nickel exposure limits.

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 2304 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.