Aluminium-scandium Master Alloy，Aluminium scandium Alloy，AlSc Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Scandium Master Alloy (Al-Sc Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Scandium Master Alloy (Al-Sc Alloy) represents a premium class of high-performance aluminium alloys where small additions of scandium (typically 0.1%–0.5%) produce dramatic improvements in mechanical properties, weldability, and thermal stability. Scandium is the most potent grain refiner and strengthener for aluminium, forming coherent Al₃Sc precipitates that significantly enhance strength while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance. This master alloy enables production of next-generation aluminium alloys for aerospace, defense, and high-value applications. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Sc master alloys are covered by several international specifications: - **ASTM:** ASTM B928/B928M (High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate with Sc) - **AMS:** AMS 4413 (Al-4.0Cu-0.5Mg-0.3Mn-0.25Sc-0.15Zr Forging Stock) - **EN:** EN 573-3 (Al-Mg-Sc alloy designations) - **GOST:** GOST 4784-97 (Russian standards for Al-Sc alloys) - **GB/T:** GB/T 3190 (Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy chemical composition) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-2%Sc, Al-5%Sc, Al-10%Sc --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Sc master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Scandium (Sc) | 1.0 – 10.0 | Primary strengthening element | | Zirconium (Zr) | 0 – 2.0 | Often co-added to form Al₃(Sc,Zr) | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0 – 6.0 | Solid solution strengthening | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.10 | Impurity control | | Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05 | Impurity control | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.08 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 2.68 – 2.80 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 660 – 1540°C (Sc melts at 1540°C) | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Sc (primary), Al₃(Sc,Zr) | | Crystal Structure | L1₂ (cubic) for Al₃Sc | | Thermal Conductivity | 120 – 170 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 35 – 50 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 80 – 140 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23–25 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Exceptional Strength Enhancement:** Up to 150% increase in yield strength with 0.4% Sc addition - **Superior Weldability:** Retains 90–95% of base metal strength in weld zones - **Excellent Grain Refinement:** Dramatic reduction in grain size in both cast and wrought products - **High Thermal Stability:** Al₃Sc precipitates resist coarsening up to 350°C - **Recrystallization Inhibition:** Increases recrystallization temperature by 150–200°C - **Enhanced Corrosion Resistance:** Comparable to high-purity aluminium alloys --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Aerospace Structures:** Fuselage skins, wing spars, structural components - **Military Aircraft:** Fighter aircraft structures, missile components - **Marine Applications:** High-strength welded hulls, offshore structures - **Sporting Goods:** High-performance bicycle frames, baseball bats - **Additive Manufacturing:** Scalmalloy® and other Sc-containing powders for 3D printing - **Automotive:** Lightweight structural components, high-performance parts - **Electrical:** High-strength transmission lines --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars under protective atmosphere - **Wrought Products:** Sheet, plate, extrusions, forgings - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, welding wire - **Standard Sizes:** 2–10 kg ingots in sealed containers --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–0.5% Sc to the melt for final alloys - **Melt Temperature:** 720–780°C under protective atmosphere - **Holding Time:** 30–60 minutes for complete dissolution - **Stirring:** Gentle mechanical stirring recommended - **Casting:** Direct chill casting with controlled solidification - **Heat Treatment:** Solution treatment 480–550°C, aging 250–350°C --- ### **9. Mechanical Properties Enhancement** | Sc Content (%) | Yield Strength Increase (%) | Grain Size Reduction (%) | Weld Strength Retention (%) | |----------------|----------------------------|--------------------------|----------------------------| | **0.1–0.2** | 50–80 | 60–70 | 85–90 | | **0.2–0.3** | 80–120 | 70–80 | 90–93 | | **0.3–0.4** | 120–150 | 80–85 | 93–95 | | **0.4–0.5** | 150–180 | 85–90 | 95–97 | --- ### **10. Commercial Al-Sc Alloy Systems** | Alloy System | Sc Content (%) | Zr Content (%) | Key Features | Applications | |--------------|----------------|----------------|--------------|--------------| | **Al-Mg-Sc** | 0.1–0.4 | 0.05–0.15 | High strength, excellent weldability | Aerospace structures | | **Al-Zn-Mg-Sc** | 0.1–0.3 | 0.08–0.20 | Very high strength | Military aircraft | | **Al-Cu-Mg-Sc** | 0.1–0.4 | 0.10–0.25 | High temperature stability | Engine components | | **Scalmalloy®** | 0.4–0.7 | 0.9–1.2 | Optimized for additive manufacturing | 3D printed components | --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Scandium content consistency (±0.02%) - Low gas content (hydrogen < 0.10 ml/100g) - Homogeneous Al₃Sc precipitate distribution - Controlled grain size and microstructure - Certification to aerospace standards --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Toxicity:** Scandium compounds generally have low toxicity - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles during processing - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE required - **Atmosphere Control:** Recommended under argon for high-Sc alloys - **Storage:** Sealed containers to prevent oxidation - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **13. Economic Considerations** - **Premium Cost:** Scandium is one of the most expensive alloying elements - **Supply Challenges:** Limited global production capacity - **Value Proposition:** Justified by performance benefits in critical applications - **Recycling:** Essential for economic viability in commercial applications - **Market Trends:** Increasing availability as production scales --- ### **14. Synergistic Effects with Other Elements** - **Zirconium:** Forms Al₃(Sc,Zr) with enhanced thermal stability - **Magnesium:** Improves solid solution strengthening - **Lithium:** Combined weight reduction and strengthening - **Copper:** Enhances precipitation hardening response --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Reduced Sc Content:** Development of alloys with 0.05–0.15% Sc - **Multi-element Alloys:** Complex Al-Sc-Zr-Mg-Li systems - **Additive Manufacturing:** Optimization for laser powder bed fusion - **Recycling Technologies:** Efficient Sc recovery from manufacturing scrap - **Cost Reduction:** Development of more economical production methods --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions, processing parameters, and thermal mechanical history. Al-Sc alloys represent premium materials with significant cost implications. The high cost of scandium necessitates careful technical-economic evaluation before implementation. Users must conduct comprehensive testing to verify suitability for specific applications. Always follow good manufacturing practices and consult with materials engineering specialists for critical applications in aerospace and defense sectors.

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 2307 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.