Elektron ZA (K1A) Magnesium Zirconium Alloy， MIL-M-45207,E FOUR

### **Elektron ZA (K1A) Magnesium Zirconium Alloy (MIL-M-45207)** **Product Overview** Elektron ZA, also known commercially as K1A, represents a fundamental class of high-purity magnesium-zirconium alloys. As one of the earliest zirconium-containing magnesium alloys developed, it establishes the baseline for magnesium alloys requiring excellent corrosion resistance combined with good mechanical properties. The key characteristic of this alloy system is the use of zirconium as a powerful grain refiner, which enhances strength, ductility, and casting integrity without relying on aluminum or zinc as primary alloying elements. This alloy is primarily supplied as sand castings and is designed for applications where corrosion performance and structural reliability are paramount. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** Elektron ZA features a minimal alloying system centered on high-purity magnesium and zirconium. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.5 - 1.0 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.003 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Aluminum (Al)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.30 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The exceptionally low levels of iron, copper, and nickel impurities are critical for achieving outstanding corrosion resistance. **Zirconium** serves as the primary alloying addition, providing effective grain refinement that improves both strength and ductility. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** The properties of Elektron ZA reflect its high-purity composition and zirconium grain refinement. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** ~1.74 g/cm³ (0.063 lb/in³) - Essentially pure magnesium density * **Melting Point:** ~ 650 °C (1202 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 25.9 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 156 W/m·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (As-Cast Condition):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 110 - 130 MPa (16 - 19 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 70 - 90 MPa (10 - 13 ksi) * **Elongation:** 8 - 15% * **Shear Strength:** ~ 90 MPa (13 ksi) * **Hardness:** 40 - 50 HBW --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** Elektron ZA is primarily governed by military and aerospace specifications. * **Military Standard:** **MIL-M-45207** (Primary governing specification) * **Aerospace Material Specification:** **AMS 4483** * **British Standards:** **BS 2970 MAG-1** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron ZA** / **K1A** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** Despite its relatively modest strength, Elektron ZA finds use in specialized applications where its unique combination of properties is advantageous. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Electronic Equipment Housings** * **Radar Antenna Components** * **Communication Equipment Casings** * **Aircraft Instrument Housings** * **Chemical Processing:** * **Components for Handling Uranium and Other Reactive Metals** * **Laboratory Equipment** * **Nuclear Industry:** * **Fuel Element Cladding Research** * **Experimental Reactor Components** (utilizing low neutron capture cross-section) * **Specialized Industrial:** * **Cathodic Protection Anodes** * **High-Purity Chemical Processing Equipment** --- **Summary** **Elektron ZA (K1A)** represents the fundamental baseline for zirconium-grain-refined magnesium alloys. While offering moderate mechanical properties, its exceptional **corrosion resistance** - derived from **high-purity composition** and effective **zirconium grain refinement** - makes it suitable for specialized applications in aerospace electronics, chemical processing, and nuclear research. Compliance with **MIL-M-45207** certifies it for military applications where reliability in corrosive environments is essential. The alloy serves as the foundation upon which more complex magnesium-zirconium-rare earth systems (such as ZE41, ZE63, etc.) were later developed, establishing the critical importance of zirconium in advancing magnesium alloy technology.

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 3396 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.