Aluminium-tungsten Master Alloy，Aluminium tungsten Alloy，AlW Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Tungsten Master Alloy (Al-W Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Tungsten Master Alloy (Al-W Alloy) is a specialized high-density master alloy designed for applications requiring enhanced strength, thermal stability, and radiation shielding properties. Tungsten, with its exceptionally high melting point and density, forms intermetallic compounds with aluminium that significantly improve high-temperature performance, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. This master alloy serves niche applications in aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering sectors. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-W 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) - **AMS:** AMS 4487 (Aluminum-Tungsten Alloy Components) - **GB/T:** GB/T 8734 (Aluminium alloy master alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-10%W, Al-20%W, Al-30%W, Al-40%W --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-W master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Tungsten (W) | 5.0 – 40.0 | Primary alloying element | | Nickel (Ni) | 0 – 5.0 | Optional addition for interface improvement | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05 | Impurity control | | Cobalt (Co) | 0 – 3.0 | Optional addition for specific applications | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.10 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 3.5 – 7.0 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 660 – 3422°C (W melts at 3422°C) | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₄W, Al₅W, Al₁₂W, AlW | | Thermal Conductivity | 80 – 140 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 25 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 90 – 200 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 17–21 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Exceptional High-Temperature Strength:** Maintains properties up to 500°C - **High Density:** Significantly increases alloy density for weight-critical applications - **Superior Wear Resistance:** Hard tungsten particles enhance abrasion resistance - **Radiation Shielding:** Effective for gamma radiation attenuation - **Dimensional Stability:** Low thermal expansion ensures precision at high temperatures - **Creep Resistance:** Excellent resistance to deformation under sustained load --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Aerospace Components:** Counterweights, balance weights, vibration dampers - **Radiation Shielding:** Medical equipment, nuclear applications, X-ray devices - **Military Applications:** Kinetic energy penetrators, armor components - **Automotive Racing:** High-performance balancing components - **Electronic Packaging:** Heat sinks requiring high thermal conductivity and density - **Sporting Goods:** High-quality golf club heads, fishing weights - **Precision Instruments:** Balancing components for rotating machinery --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars under protective atmosphere - **Special Forms:** Powder for composite materials, custom shapes - **High-Purity Grades:** 99.95% for critical applications - **Standard Sizes:** 2–8 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.5–15.0% W to the melt (depending on application) - **Melt Temperature:** 800–950°C - **Holding Time:** 60–120 minutes for partial dissolution and dispersion - **Stirring:** Vigorous mechanical stirring essential - **Casting Temperature:** 750–850°C - **Processing:** Often requires powder metallurgy or special casting techniques --- ### **9. High-Temperature Performance** | Temperature (°C) | Yield Strength Retention (%) | Hardness Retention (%) | Dimensional Stability | |------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------|---------------------| | **25** | 100 | 100 | Excellent | | **300** | 80–85 | 82–87 | Very Good | | **400** | 70–75 | 72–77 | Good | | **500** | 60–65 | 62–67 | Fair | --- ### **10. Radiation Shielding Performance** | W Content (%) | Density (g/cm³) | Gamma Ray Attenuation (%)* | Neutron Absorption | |---------------|----------------|---------------------------|-------------------| | **10** | 3.5–4.0 | 25–35 | Low | | **20** | 4.5–5.0 | 40–50 | Low-Medium | | **30** | 5.5–6.0 | 55–65 | Medium | | **40** | 6.5–7.0 | 70–80 | Medium-High | *For 1 cm thickness at 1 MeV photon energy --- ### **11. Comparison with Other High-Density Additives** | Additive | Density (g/cm³) | Cost | Processability | Applications | |----------|----------------|------|----------------|--------------| | **Tungsten** | 19.3 | High | Difficult | Premium applications | | **Tantalum** | 16.6 | Very High | Difficult | Medical, aerospace | | **Lead** | 11.3 | Low | Easy | General purpose | | **Bismuth** | 9.8 | Medium | Easy | Non-toxic applications | --- ### **12. Quality Control Parameters** - Tungsten content consistency (±0.3%) - Homogeneous tungsten particle distribution - Controlled interparticle spacing and size - Low oxide content certification - Density verification for specific applications --- ### **13. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Tungsten Toxicity:** Generally low toxicity, but compounds vary - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles - use respiratory protection - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE with heat protection - **High-Temperature Processing:** Special precautions for high-temperature operations - **Storage:** Dry, controlled environment - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **14. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Strategic Material:** Tungsten is a critical and strategic material - **Cost Factors:** High cost due to mining and processing complexity - **Supply Chain:** Geopolitically sensitive with price volatility - **Processing Cost:** High energy requirements for manufacturing - **Recycling Value:** High economic incentive for tungsten recovery --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanocomposite Materials:** Al-W composites with nanoscale dispersion - **Additive Manufacturing:** Development of printable Al-W powders - **Functionally Graded Materials:** Density-graded components - **Advanced Composites:** Hybrid Al-W-B₄C systems for radiation shielding - **Sustainable Processing:** Improved recycling and recovery methods --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions, processing parameters, and manufacturing methods. Al-W alloys represent specialized materials with significant cost and processing implications. The high density and melting point of tungsten present unique manufacturing challenges that often require specialized equipment and processes. Users must conduct comprehensive testing and technical-economic evaluation before implementation. Always consult with materials engineering specialists for critical applications in aerospace, defense, and nuclear sectors, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations regarding strategic materials.

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 2320 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.