Aluminum Neodymium (Al-Nd) Master Alloy，Aluminum Neodymium Alloy，AlNd Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminum-Neodymium Master Alloy (Al-Nd Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminum-Neodymium Master Alloy (Al-Nd Alloy) is a specialized rare earth-containing master alloy that utilizes neodymium to enhance high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and microstructural stability in aluminum alloys. Neodymium forms stable intermetallic compounds with aluminum, particularly Al₃Nd and Al₁₁Nd₃, which provide exceptional thermal stability and unique magnetic properties. This master alloy finds applications in premium aerospace, automotive, and specialized electronic sectors. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Nd 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%Nd, Al-10%Nd, Al-15%Nd, Al-20%Nd --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Nd master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Neodymium (Nd) | 3.0 – 20.0 | Primary rare earth element | | Other RE Elements | ≤ 3.0 | May include Pr, La, Ce | | 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 | — | | Aluminum (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 3.0 – 4.2 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 660 – 1024°C (Nd melts at 1024°C) | | Intermetallic Phases | Al₃Nd, Al₁₁Nd₃, AlNd, AlNd₃ | | Thermal Conductivity | 85 – 135 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 28 – 42 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 70 – 140 HV | | Magnetic Susceptibility | Paramagnetic | | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 20–23 × 10⁻⁶/K | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **High-Temperature Stability:** Maintains mechanical properties up to 400°C - **Excellent Corrosion Resistance:** Superior resistance to various corrosive environments - **Grain Refinement:** Effective grain size control through Al₃Nd nucleation - **Hydrogen Scavenging:** Reduces gas porosity in aluminum castings - **Magnetic Properties:** Can impart specific magnetic characteristics - **Oxidation Resistance:** Enhanced high-temperature oxidation resistance --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Aerospace Components:** High-temperature structural parts, engine components - **Automotive Applications:** Pistons, cylinder heads, turbocharger parts - **Electronic Packaging:** Thermal management components with specific CTE - **Magnetic Devices:** Components requiring controlled magnetic properties - **Additive Manufacturing:** Specialty powders for high-performance 3D printing - **Nuclear Applications:** Moderate neutron absorption components - **Research & Development:** Experimental alloys for advanced applications --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots, notch bars, granules - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing, custom shapes - **High-Purity Grades:** 99.95% for electronic and nuclear applications - **Standard Sizes:** 2–8 kg ingots --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.1–3.0% Nd to the melt (typically 0.3–1.0% for optimal effects) - **Melt Temperature:** 760–840°C - **Holding Time:** 30–70 minutes for complete reaction - **Stirring:** Gentle mechanical stirring recommended - **Casting Temperature:** 710–770°C - **Heat Treatment:** Solution treatment at 510–580°C, aging at 325–425°C --- ### **9. High-Temperature Performance** | Temperature (°C) | Yield Strength Retention (%) | Hardness Retention (%) | Microstructural Stability | |------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------|---------------------------| | **25** | 100 | 100 | Excellent | | **250** | 85–90 | 87–92 | Very Good | | **350** | 75–80 | 78–83 | Good | | **450** | 65–70 | 68–73 | Moderate | --- ### **10. Comparison with Other Rare Earth Elements** | Rare Earth | High-Temp Performance | Corrosion Resistance | Cost | Availability | |------------|----------------------|---------------------|------|--------------| | **Neodymium** | Very Good | Excellent | Medium | Limited | | **Yttrium** | Excellent | Outstanding | Medium | Good | | **Cerium** | Good | Good | Low | Excellent | | **Lanthanum** | Good | Good | Low | Good | --- ### **11. Nuclear Properties** | Property | Value | |---------------------------|---------------------------| | Thermal Neutron Cross Section | 46 barns | | Resonance Integral | 180 barns | | Natural Isotopes | Nd-142 (27.2%), Nd-144 (23.8%) | | Decay Products | Stable isotopes | --- ### **12. Quality Control Parameters** - Neodymium 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:** Neodymium 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, subject to rare earth market fluctuations - **Supply Security:** Limited availability, primarily from rare earth mining - **Processing Requirements:** Standard aluminum processing equipment suitable - **Recycling:** Compatible with standard aluminum recycling practices --- ### **15. Specialized Applications Detail** **High-Temperature Structural Components:** - Good strength retention at elevated temperatures - Excellent oxidation resistance - Microstructural stability under thermal cycling **Electronic and Magnetic Applications:** - Controlled thermal expansion characteristics - Tailorable magnetic properties - Good electrical conductivity --- ### **16. Research & Development Trends** - **Nanocomposite Materials:** Al-Nd composites with enhanced properties - **Multi-element Systems:** Al-Nd-Zr and Al-Nd-Mg complex alloys - **Additive Manufacturing:** Optimized powders for specialized 3D printing - **Magnetic Composites:** Development of aluminum-based soft magnetic materials - **Sustainable Alloy Design:** Improved recycling of neodymium from aluminum scrap --- ### **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. Neodymium is a strategic material with specific supply chain considerations, primarily driven by demand from permanent magnet industries. 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, electronic, 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 2326 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.