Aluminium-zirconium Master Alloy，Aluminium zirconium Alloy，AlZr Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Zirconium Master Alloy (Al-Zr Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Zirconium Master Alloy (Al-Zr Alloy) is a high-performance master alloy that utilizes zirconium as a potent grain refiner and recrystallization inhibitor. Zirconium forms stable Al₃Zr intermetallic compounds that provide exceptional thermal stability, significantly enhancing the high-temperature properties and microstructural control of aluminium alloys. This master alloy is particularly valuable for aerospace, automotive, and elevated temperature applications. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Zr 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 zirconium-containing alloys - **GB/T:** GB/T 8734 (Aluminium alloy master alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-5%Zr, Al-10%Zr, Al-15%Zr, Al-20%Zr --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Zr master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Zirconium (Zr) | 3.0 – 20.0 | Primary alloying element | | Hafnium (Hf) | ≤ 2.0 | Often present in commercial zirconium | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.10 | Impurity control | | Titanium (Ti) | 0 – 1.0 | Optional grain refining addition | | Chromium (Cr) | 0 – 0.10 | Impurity control | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.08 total | — | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 3.0 – 3.8 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 660 – 1855°C (Zr melts at 1855°C) | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Zr (primary), Al₂Zr, Al₄Zr | | Crystal Structure | L1₂ (cubic) for metastable Al₃Zr | | Thermal Conductivity | 90 – 140 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 30 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 80 – 160 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 19–22 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Superior Recrystallization Inhibition:** Increases recrystallization temperature by 150–200°C - **Excellent Thermal Stability:** Maintains properties up to 450°C - **Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through Al₃Zr nucleation - **Creep Resistance:** Outstanding resistance to deformation under sustained load - **Precipitation Strengthening:** Forms coherent Al₃Zr precipitates - **Corrosion Resistance:** Enhanced resistance to various environments --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Aerospace Components:** Turbine blades, engine parts, structural members - **Automotive Applications:** Pistons, cylinder heads, turbocharger components - **Electrical Conductors:** Overhead transmission lines, bus bars - **Heat Exchangers:** High-temperature thermal management systems - **Nuclear Industry:** Structural components requiring radiation stability - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for high-temperature 3D printing - **Sporting Goods:** High-performance bicycle frames, automotive racing parts --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, waffle plates - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, custom shapes - **Wire Form:** For continuous feeding in casting operations - **Standard Sizes:** 5–15 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–0.4% Zr to the melt (typically 0.1–0.2% for optimal effects) - **Melt Temperature:** 780–880°C - **Holding Time:** 45–90 minutes for complete dissolution - **Stirring:** Vigorous mechanical stirring essential - **Casting Temperature:** 720–780°C - **Heat Treatment:** Solution treatment at 530–600°C, aging at 375–475°C --- ### **9. High-Temperature Performance** | Temperature (°C) | Yield Strength Retention (%) | Recrystallization Resistance | Creep Life Improvement | |------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------| | **25** | 100 | Excellent | Baseline | | **300** | 85–90 | Excellent | 3–5× | | **400** | 75–80 | Very Good | 5–8× | | **450** | 65–70 | Good | 8–12× | --- ### **10. Comparison with Other Grain Refiners** | Element | Recrystallization Inhibition | High-Temp Stability | Cost | Fade Time | |---------|-----------------------------|-------------------|------|-----------| | **Zirconium** | Excellent | Outstanding | Medium | Permanent | | **Scandium** | Excellent | Excellent | Very High | Permanent | | **Titanium** | Good | Good | Low | 2–4 hours | | **Vanadium** | Very Good | Excellent | Medium | Permanent | --- ### **11. Commercial Al-Zr Alloy Systems** | Alloy Type | Zr Content (%) | Key Features | Typical Applications | |------------|----------------|--------------|---------------------| | **Al-Cu-Zr** | 0.1–0.2 | High strength at elevated temperatures | Aerospace structures | | **Al-Mg-Zr** | 0.1–0.3 | Excellent corrosion resistance | Marine applications | | **Al-Zn-Zr** | 0.1–0.2 | Enhanced stress corrosion resistance | Automotive components | | **Al-Li-Zr** | 0.08–0.16 | Weight reduction with high stiffness | Aircraft structures | --- ### **12. Quality Control Parameters** - Zirconium content consistency (±0.05%) - Controlled hafnium content - Al₃Zr particle size and distribution - Low gas content (hydrogen < 0.10 ml/100g) - Recrystallization temperature certification --- ### **13. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Toxicity:** Zirconium metal has low toxicity - **Dust Control:** Zirconium powder can be pyrophoric - handle with care - **Personal Protection:** Standard foundry PPE required - **Ventilation:** Adequate fume extraction recommended - **Storage:** Dry conditions to prevent oxidation - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **14. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Cost Factors:** Moderate cost with stable supply - **Supply Security:** Good availability as byproduct of nuclear industry - **Processing Efficiency:** Good recovery rates in alloying - **Value Justification:** Performance benefits justify cost in critical applications --- ### **15. Metallurgical Mechanisms** - **Al₃Zr Precipitation:** Forms coherent L1₂ precipitates during aging - **Zener Pinning:** Al₃Zr particles inhibit grain boundary migration - **Nucleation Sites:** Acts as heterogeneous nucleation sites during solidification - **Dislocation Pinning:** Precipitates interact with dislocations to enhance strength --- ### **16. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanoscale Precipitates:** Control of Al₃Zr precipitate size and distribution - **Multi-element Systems:** Al-Zr-Sc and Al-Zr-Er complex alloys - **Additive Manufacturing:** Development of specialized powders for 3D printing - **Recycling Technologies:** Improved zirconium recovery from aluminium scrap - **Computational Design:** Prediction of optimal zirconium content for specific applications --- ### **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-Zr alloys require careful control of zirconium content and heat treatment parameters to achieve optimal properties. 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 aerospace 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 2325 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.