Aluminium-ytterbium Master Alloy，Aluminium-ytterbium Alloy，AlYr Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Ytterbium Master Alloy (Al-Yb Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Ytterbium Master Alloy (Al-Yb Alloy) is a specialized rare earth-containing master alloy that utilizes ytterbium to enhance high-temperature properties, corrosion resistance, and electrical characteristics of aluminium alloys. Ytterbium, as a heavy rare earth element, forms stable intermetallic compounds and modifies microstructural features, providing unique benefits in specialized applications including laser technology, nuclear applications, and advanced material systems. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Yb master alloys are referenced in several international specifications: - **ASTM:** ASTM B928 (High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Products) - **EN:** EN 1676 (Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Master alloys) - **GB/T:** GB/T 27677 (Aluminium-rare earth master alloys) - **ISO:** ISO 209-1 (Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-5%Yb, Al-10%Yb, Al-15%Yb, Al-20%Yb --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Yb master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Ytterbium (Yb) | 2.0 – 20.0 | Primary rare earth element | | Other RE Elements | ≤ 2.0 | May include Lu, Tm, Er | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.10 | Impurity control | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0 – 5.0 | Optional addition for enhanced properties| | Zirconium (Zr) | 0 – 2.0 | Optional addition for thermal stability | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.08 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 3.0 – 4.0 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 660 – 819°C (Yb melts at 819°C) | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Yb, Al₂Yb, AlYb, AlYb₃ | | Thermal Conductivity | 85 – 135 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 28 – 42 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 60 – 125 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 20–23 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **High-Temperature Stability:** Maintains mechanical properties up to 400°C - **Neutron Absorption:** Moderate thermal neutron capture cross-section - **Corrosion Resistance:** Enhanced resistance to various corrosive environments - **Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through Al₃Yb nucleation - **Electrical Property Modification:** Alters electrical and thermal characteristics - **Radiation Stability:** Good performance in radiation environments --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Nuclear Applications:** Neutron absorption components, shielding materials - **Laser Technology:** Ytterbium-doped aluminium components for laser systems - **Aerospace Components:** High-temperature structural parts - **Electronic Packaging:** Thermal management components - **Research & Development:** Experimental alloys for advanced applications - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for 3D printing - **Optical Applications:** Components requiring specific optical properties --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, custom shapes - **High-Purity Grades:** 99.95% for nuclear and optical applications - **Standard Sizes:** 2–8 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–3.0% Yb to the melt (typically 0.3–1.0% for optimal effects) - **Melt Temperature:** 750–830°C - **Holding Time:** 30–60 minutes for complete reaction - **Stirring:** Gentle mechanical stirring recommended - **Casting Temperature:** 700–760°C - **Heat Treatment:** Solution treatment at 500–570°C, aging at 300–400°C --- ### **9. Nuclear Properties** | Property | Value | |---------------------------|---------------------------| | Thermal Neutron Cross Section | 36 barns | | Resonance Integral | 220 barns | | Natural Isotopes | Yb-174 (31.8%) most effective | | Decay Products | Stable isotopes | --- ### **10. High-Temperature Performance** | Temperature (°C) | Yield Strength Retention (%) | Hardness Retention (%) | Microstructural Stability | |------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------|---------------------------| | **25** | 100 | 100 | Excellent | | **200** | 88–92 | 90–94 | Very Good | | **300** | 78–83 | 80–85 | Good | | **400** | 68–73 | 70–75 | Moderate | --- ### **11. Comparison with Other Rare Earth Elements** | Rare Earth | High-Temp Performance | Nuclear Properties | Cost | Availability | |------------|----------------------|-------------------|------|--------------| | **Ytterbium** | Very Good | Good | Medium | Limited | | **Gadolinium** | Excellent | Outstanding | Medium | Good | | **Yttrium** | Excellent | Good | Medium | Good | | **Erbium** | Very Good | Good | Medium | Limited | --- ### **12. Quality Control Parameters** - Ytterbium content consistency (±0.2%) - Homogeneous distribution of intermetallic phases - Low gas content (hydrogen < 0.12 ml/100g) - Controlled oxide inclusion levels - Chemical composition certification --- ### **13. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Toxicity:** Ytterbium compounds generally have low toxicity - **Dust Control:** Avoid inhalation of fine particles during processing - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE required - **Ventilation:** Adequate fume extraction recommended - **Storage:** Dry, controlled environment to prevent oxidation - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **14. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Cost Factors:** Moderate cost compared to other heavy rare earths - **Supply Security:** Limited production as byproduct of rare earth processing - **Processing Requirements:** Standard aluminium processing equipment suitable - **Recycling:** Compatible with standard aluminium recycling practices --- ### **15. Specialized Applications Detail** **Nuclear Shielding Components:** - Moderate neutron absorption capabilities - Good structural properties - Corrosion resistance in nuclear environments **Laser and Optical Systems:** - Ytterbium's unique optical properties - Good thermal management characteristics - Stability in optical applications --- ### **16. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanocomposite Materials:** Al-Yb composites with enhanced properties - **Multi-element Systems:** Al-Yb-Zr and Al-Yb-Mg complex alloys - **Additive Manufacturing:** Optimized powders for specialized 3D printing - **Nuclear Applications:** Advanced alloys for next-generation reactors - **Sustainable Alloy Design:** Development of eco-friendly aluminium alloys --- ### **Disclaimer** This information is provided for technical reference only. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions, processing parameters, and base alloy composition. Ytterbium is a strategic material with specific supply chain considerations. Users are advised to conduct comprehensive testing to determine suitability for their specific applications. Always follow good manufacturing practices and safety guidelines, and consult with materials engineering specialists for critical applications in nuclear, optical, and high-temperature 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 2321 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.