Aluminum Lanthanum Cerium (Al-La-Ce) Master Alloy，Aluminum Lanthanum Cerium Alloy，Al-La-Ce Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminum-Lanthanum-Cerium Master Alloy (Al-La-Ce Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminum-Lanthanum-Cerium Master Alloy (Al-La-Ce Alloy) is a cost-effective mixed rare earth master alloy that combines the beneficial effects of lanthanum and cerium in aluminum alloys. This ternary system leverages the synergistic effects of both rare earth elements to improve high-temperature properties, corrosion resistance, and castability while offering a more economical alternative to single rare earth additions. The alloy is particularly valuable for enhancing the performance of recycled aluminum and improving properties in conventional aluminum alloys. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-La-Ce 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-5La-5Ce, Al-10La-10Ce, Al-8La-12Ce, Al-12La-8Ce --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-La-Ce master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Lanthanum (La) | 3.0 – 15.0 | Primary rare earth element | | Cerium (Ce) | 3.0 – 15.0 | Primary rare earth element | | Other RE Elements | ≤ 4.0 | Natural occurrence in rare earth mixtures| | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.15 | Impurity control | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0 – 6.0 | Optional addition for enhanced properties| | Manganese (Mn) | 0 – 1.0 | Optional addition for specific applications | | Other Impurities | ≤ 0.15 total | — | | Aluminum (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 2.9 – 3.6 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 660 – 920°C | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₄La, Al₄Ce, Al₁₁La₃, Al₁₁Ce₃ | | Thermal Conductivity | 90 – 140 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 30 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 55 – 120 HV | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 21–24 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Cost-Effective Rare Earth Addition:** More economical than single rare earth elements - **Superior High-Temperature Stability:** Maintains properties up to 400°C - **Excellent Corrosion Resistance:** Enhanced resistance to various environments - **Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through rare earth nucleation - **Hydrogen Scavenging:** Reduces gas porosity in aluminum castings - **Iron Neutralization:** Transforms harmful iron intermetallics into less detrimental forms --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Automotive Components:** Engine blocks, cylinder heads, pistons - **Electrical Conductors:** High-strength transmission lines - **Heat Exchangers:** Elevated temperature service components - **Marine Applications:** Corrosion-resistant structural components - **Recycled Aluminum Enhancement:** Quality improvement of secondary aluminum - **Architectural Extrusions:** Improved surface finish and corrosion resistance - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for 3D printing applications --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, waffle plates - **Special Forms:** Granules, powder for specific applications - **Standard Sizes:** 5–15 kg ingots - **Custom Ratios:** Tailored La:Ce ratios for specific requirements --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.5–3.0% master alloy to the melt (typically 0.1–0.5% total RE) - **Melt Temperature:** 730–800°C - **Holding Time:** 25–50 minutes for complete reaction - **Stirring:** Moderate mechanical stirring recommended - **Casting Temperature:** 700–760°C - **Heat Treatment:** Solution treatment at 520–580°C, aging at 300–400°C --- ### **9. Performance in Different Applications** | Application | La:Ce Ratio | Key Benefits | Property Improvement | |-------------|-------------|--------------|---------------------| | **Engine Components** | 1:1 | High-temperature strength, corrosion resistance | 20–30% strength increase at 300°C | | **Electrical Conductors** | 1:2 | Strength, conductivity | 15–25% strength, 3–5% conductivity improvement | | **Marine Applications** | 2:1 | Corrosion resistance, microstructure | 40–60% corrosion rate reduction | | **Recycled Aluminum** | 1:1 | Iron neutralization, quality enhancement | 50–70% reduction in detrimental iron phases | --- ### **10. Comparison with Single Rare Earth Additions** | Parameter | Al-La-Ce | Al-La | Al-Ce | Economic Advantage | |-----------|----------|-------|-------|-------------------| | **Cost Effectiveness** | Excellent | Good | Good | 30–40% cost savings | | **High-Temp Performance** | Very Good | Very Good | Good | Comparable to Al-La | | **Corrosion Resistance** | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Superior to individual RE | | **Availability** | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Better supply security | --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Precise La:Ce ratio control (±0.3%) - Total rare earth content consistency - Homogeneous distribution of intermetallic phases - Low gas content (hydrogen < 0.15 ml/100g) - Chemical composition certification --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **Low Toxicity:** Lanthanum and cerium compounds 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 conditions to prevent oxidation - **Disposal:** Follow standard metal disposal protocols --- ### **13. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Cost Advantage:** Significant savings compared to single rare earth master alloys - **Supply Security:** Utilizes naturally occurring rare earth mixtures - **Processing Benefits:** Simplified inventory and handling - **Recycling Value:** Enhances value of recycled aluminum products --- ### **14. Synergistic Effects** - **Combined Strengthening:** La and Ce provide complementary strengthening mechanisms - **Microstructural Control:** Improved grain refinement and phase modification - **Oxidation Resistance:** Enhanced high-temperature oxidation protection - **Impurity Management:** Effective neutralization of tramp elements --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Optimized Ratios:** Research on ideal La:Ce ratios for specific alloy systems - **Multi-element Systems:** Al-La-Ce-Mg and Al-La-Ce-Zr complex alloys - **Sustainable Applications:** Enhanced recycling of aluminum with rare earth additions - **Additive Manufacturing:** Development of specialized powders for 3D printing - **Advanced Characterization:** Understanding synergistic effects at atomic level --- ### **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. Al-La-Ce master alloys offer an economical approach to rare earth modification of aluminum alloys, but optimal results require careful control of addition rates and processing parameters. Users are advised to conduct thorough testing to determine the most effective La:Ce ratio and addition method for their specific applications. Always follow good manufacturing practices and safety guidelines, and consult with materials engineering specialists for critical applications in automotive and structural 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 2327 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.