Aluminum-Scandium Alloy,Aluminum Scandium Master Alloy (Al-Sc Alloy)，E FORU

### **Product Datasheet: Aluminum-Scandium Alloy & Aluminum-Scandium Master Alloy** **1. General Overview** Aluminum-Scandium Alloys represent a premium class of high-performance materials where small additions of Scandium (Sc) profoundly enhance the properties of aluminum. Scandium is the most potent known grain refiner and strengthener for aluminum. When added even in small quantities (typically 0.1% - 0.5%), it significantly increases strength, weldability, and thermal stability. These products are available in two primary forms: * **Aluminum-Scandium Master Alloy (Al-Sc Master Alloy):** A high-concentration intermediate product (e.g., Al-2%Sc) used by aluminum producers and foundries to introduce Scandium into molten aluminum. * **Wrought Aluminum-Scandium Alloys:** Finished alloys (e.g., 5xxx-Sc or 7xxx-Sc series) where Scandium has been added to create sheet, plate, extrusion, or forging stock with exceptional properties. **2. International Standards** The standardization for Al-Sc alloys is evolving, with several key specifications in place. * **ASTM:** * **ASTM B928/B928M:** Standard Specification for High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate for Marine Service. Some grades in this standard include Scandium. * **ASTM B945:** Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Forgings with Scandium and Zirconium Additions. * **AMS (Aerospace Material Specification):** **AMS 4413** (Aluminum Alloy Forging Stock, 4.0Cu - 0.5Mg - 0.3Mn - 0.25Sc - 0.15Zr). * **Russian Standards (GOST):** As pioneers in Sc-alloy research, Russia has several GOST standards for Al-Mg-Sc and Al-Zn-Mg-Sc alloys. * **Proprietary Alloys:** Many Al-Sc alloys are produced under manufacturer-specific trade names and technical specifications. **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Compositions vary widely depending on the base alloy and application. | Product Type | Typical Composition | Scandium (Sc) | Zirconium (Zr) | Base Alloy | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Al-Sc Master Alloy** | Al-2%Sc, Al-10%Sc | 2.0 - 10.0% | - | Balance Al | | **Wrought Al-Mg-Sc Alloy** | 5028, 5028-Sc | 0.1 - 0.4% | 0.05 - 0.25% | Al-Mg (5xxx) Base | | **Wrought Al-Zn-Mg-Sc Alloy** | 7017, 7017-Sc | 0.1 - 0.4% | 0.05 - 0.25% | Al-Zn-Mg (7xxx) Base | *Note: Zirconium (Zr) is frequently co-added with Scandium to form coherent Al₃(Sc,Zr) precipitates that provide superior thermal stability and inhibit recrystallization.* **4. Physical Properties** Properties are similar to conventional aluminum alloys but with enhanced thermal stability. | Property | Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | ~ 2.70 - 2.85 g/cm³ (Varies with base alloy) | | **Melting Range** | ~ 600 - 660 °C (1112 - 1220 °F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 23.0 - 24.0 x 10⁻⁶/°C | | **Thermal Conductivity** | ~ 120 - 180 W/m·K | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | ~ 70 - 75 GPa (10.2 - 10.9 x 10⁶ psi) | **5. Mechanical Properties (Typical for Wrought & Heat-Treated Alloys)** The presence of Sc dramatically enhances strength, particularly after welding. | Property | Typical Value (Wrought Al-Mg-Sc Alloy) | | :--- | :--- | | **Tensile Strength** | 350 - 500 MPa (51,000 - 72,500 psi) | | **Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)** | 250 - 400 MPa (36,000 - 58,000 psi) | | **Elongation at Break** | 10 - 15 % | | **Hardness, Brinell** | ~ 100 - 130 HB | *Note: The hallmark of Al-Sc alloys is the high retention of these properties in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of welds, often 80-90% of the base metal strength.* **6. Key Characteristics & Advantages** * **Superior Strength:** Scandium forms fine, coherent Al₃Sc precipitates during heat treatment, providing exceptional strength through precipitation hardening. * **Exceptional Weldability:** This is the most significant advantage. Al-Sc alloys are fully weldable with minimal loss of strength in the weld zone, a common drawback in high-strength aluminum alloys. They are often called "non-heat-treatable after welding" alloys. * **Fine Grain Structure:** Scandium acts as a powerful grain refiner, resulting in a very fine and uniform grain structure in both the cast and wrought conditions, which enhances toughness and fatigue resistance. * **High Thermal Stability:** The Al₃(Sc,Zr) precipitates are stable at high temperatures, resisting grain growth and retaining strength better than conventional alloys. * **Superplastic Forming:** Many Al-Sc alloys exhibit excellent superplastic behavior, allowing them to be formed into complex shapes. **7. Product Applications** Due to their high cost (driven by Scandium), these alloys are used in premium, performance-critical applications. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * Welded fuel tanks and structural components for aircraft and missiles. * Lightweight airframe structures, seat tracks, and wing ribs. * **High-Performance Transportation:** * Bicycle frames, baseball bats, and high-end sports equipment. * Lightweight structural components for marine vessels and automotive. * **Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing):** * **Al-Sc Master Alloy** in powder form (e.g., Scalmalloy®) is used in laser powder bed fusion to create high-strength, crack-free printed parts. * **Electrical:** * High-voltage, lightweight power transmission lines. **8. Available Forms** * **Al-Sc Master Alloy:** Ingot, Notch Bar, Wire. * **Wrought Al-Sc Alloys:** Sheet, Plate, Extruded Profiles, Forgings, Wire, and Powder for AM. --- **Disclaimer:** The information provided is for reference purposes. Aluminum-Scandium alloys are specialized materials whose properties and availability can vary significantly. For critical applications, consultation with the material supplier is essential to verify specifications and properties. The high cost of Scandium necessitates a careful cost-benefit analysis for its use.

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 2278 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.