Aluminium-niobium Master Alloy，Aluminium niobium Alloy，AlNb Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Niobium Master Alloy (Al-Nb Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Niobium Master Alloy (Al-Nb Alloy) is a specialized high-performance master alloy that utilizes niobium (also known as columbium) to enhance elevated temperature properties, grain refinement, and recrystallization resistance in aluminium alloys. Niobium forms stable intermetallic compounds with aluminium, particularly Al₃Nb, which provide exceptional thermal stability and precipitation strengthening effects. This master alloy is primarily used in premium aerospace, automotive, and high-temperature applications. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Nb 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) - **AMS:** AMS 4484 (Aluminum-Niobium Alloy Sheet and Plate) - **GB/T:** GB/T 8734 (Aluminium alloy master alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-10%Nb, Al-20%Nb, Al-30%Nb, Al-40%Nb --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Nb master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Niobium (Nb) | 5.0 – 40.0 | Primary alloying element | | Tantalum (Ta) | ≤ 2.0 | Often present in commercial niobium | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.10 | Impurity control | | Titanium (Ti) | 0 – 3.0 | Optional grain refining addition | | Zirconium (Zr) | 0 – 2.0 | Optional addition for enhanced stability | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.10 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 3.2 – 4.5 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 660 – 2470°C (Nb melts at 2470°C) | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Nb (primary), AlNb₂, AlNb₃ | | Crystal Structure | DO₂₂ (tetragonal) for Al₃Nb | | Thermal Conductivity | 70 – 120 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 20 – 35 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 90 – 180 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 18–22 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Exceptional High-Temperature Stability:** Maintains strength up to 500°C - **Superior Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through Al₃Nb nucleation - **Recrystallization Resistance:** Significantly increases recrystallization temperature - **Precipitation Strengthening:** Forms coherent Al₃Nb precipitates with high stability - **Oxidation Resistance:** Enhanced high-temperature oxidation resistance - **Creep Resistance:** Excellent resistance to deformation under load at high temperatures --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Aerospace Components:** Turbine blades, engine components, structural parts - **Automotive Pistons:** High-temperature piston alloys - **Nuclear Applications:** Structural components in nuclear reactors - **Heat Exchangers:** High-temperature thermal management systems - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for high-performance 3D printing - **Electronic Packaging:** Controlled expansion applications - **Sporting Goods:** High-performance automotive racing components --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, custom shapes - **High-Purity Grades:** 99.95% for critical applications - **Standard Sizes:** 2–10 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–2.0% Nb to the melt (typically 0.3–1.0% for optimal effects) - **Melt Temperature:** 780–880°C - **Holding Time:** 45–120 minutes for complete dissolution - **Stirring:** Vigorous mechanical stirring required - **Casting Temperature:** 720–780°C - **Heat Treatment:** Solution treatment at 530–600°C, aging at 350–450°C --- ### **9. High-Temperature Performance Comparison** | Alloy System | Max Service Temp (°C) | Creep Resistance | Cost | Applications | |--------------|----------------------|------------------|------|--------------| | **Al-Nb** | 500 | Excellent | High | Aerospace, Nuclear | | **Al-Zr** | 400 | Very Good | Medium | General high-temp | | **Al-Sc** | 350 | Good | Very High | Premium aerospace | | **Al-Ti** | 300 | Fair | Low | General purpose | --- ### **10. Metallurgical Mechanisms** - Forms coherent DO₂₂-structured Al₃Nb precipitates - Provides dispersion strengthening through stable intermetallics - Enhances recrystallization temperature by 200–250°C - Improves grain boundary stability at high temperatures - Creates Zener pinning effect for grain growth control --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Niobium content consistency (±0.15%) - Low gas content (hydrogen < 0.10 ml/100g) - Homogeneous distribution of Al₃Nb particles - Controlled intermetallic particle size (typically 0.1–2.0 μm) - Certification for aerospace and nuclear applications --- ### **12. Nuclear Properties** | Property | Value | |---------------------------|---------------------------| | Thermal Neutron Cross Section | 1.15 barns | | Absorption Edge | 0.215 Å | | Decay Products | Stable isotopes | | Radiation Stability | Excellent | --- ### **13. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Toxicity:** Niobium metal and compounds have low toxicity - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles during processing - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE with respiratory protection for powders - **High-Temperature Caution:** Special precautions for high-temperature processing - **Storage:** Dry, controlled environment - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **14. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Limited Availability:** Niobium is a strategic material with concentrated production - **Cost Factors:** High cost due to complex extraction and refining process - **Supply Chain:** Geopolitically sensitive with limited number of suppliers - **Recycling:** Important for cost management in premium applications - **Value Justification:** Performance benefits justify cost in critical applications --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanoscale Precipitates:** Optimization of Al₃Nb precipitate distribution - **Multi-element Systems:** Al-Nb-Zr, Al-Nb-Sc complex alloys - **Additive Manufacturing:** High-temperature alloys for 3D printing - **Nuclear Applications:** Advanced alloys for next-generation reactors - **Composite Materials:** Al-Nb composites with enhanced properties --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions and processing parameters. Al-Nb alloys represent premium materials with significant cost implications. Users must conduct comprehensive testing and technical-economic evaluation before implementation. For aerospace and nuclear applications, special licensing and quality assurance programs are required. Always consult with materials engineering specialists for critical high-temperature 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 2305 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.