Elektron W8 Magnesium Alloy，QE22,E FOUR

### **Elektron W8 / QE22 Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron W8, commercially designated as QE22, is a high-strength magnesium-silver-rare earth-zirconium casting alloy renowned for its exceptional combination of room temperature strength and good creep resistance at elevated temperatures up to 250°C. As part of the premium Mg-Ag-RE alloy family, QE22 offers superior tensile and yield strength compared to most other magnesium casting alloys, making it particularly suitable for critical aerospace components and high-performance applications where maximum strength-to-weight ratio is required. This alloy is typically supplied as sand castings, investment castings, and permanent mold castings, with optimal mechanical properties achieved through T6 heat treatment (solution treatment and aging). --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** QE22 features a sophisticated silver-rare earth-zirconium system designed for high performance. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Silver (Ag)** | 2.0 - 3.0 % | | **Rare Earths (RE)*** | 1.8 - 2.5 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.4 - 1.0 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.2 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.3 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.003 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.30 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The "Rare Earths" typically include neodymium and gadolinium. **Silver** is a critical alloying element that significantly enhances the age-hardening response, leading to high strength and improved creep resistance. **Zirconium** provides essential grain refinement, while **rare earths** contribute to elevated temperature stability. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** QE22 exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, particularly after T6 heat treatment. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 1.82 g/cm³ (0.066 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** 545 - 640 °C (1013 - 1184 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.5 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 51 W/m·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 250 - 265 MPa (36 - 38 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 185 - 200 MPa (27 - 29 ksi) * **Elongation:** 2 - 5% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 185 - 200 MPa (27 - 29 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 125 - 140 MPa (18 - 20 ksi) * **Hardness:** 70 - 80 HBW * **Modulus of Elasticity:** 45 GPa (6.5 × 10³ ksi) **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * **Good creep resistance up to 250°C (482°F)** * **Excellent strength retention at 200°C** * **Stable mechanical properties after prolonged thermal exposure** * **Maintains high strength at elevated temperatures better than most Mg alloys** --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** QE22 is recognized by major international standards organizations. * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B80 QE22A-T6** * **Aerospace Material Specification:** **AMS 4418** * **SAE International:** **SAE J465** * **UNS Designation:** **UNS M18220** * **British Standards:** **BS 2970** * **European Standards:** **EN 1753** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron W8 / QE22** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) --- #### **4. Product Applications** QE22 is predominantly used in high-performance aerospace and defense applications. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Aircraft Engine Components:** Compressor casings, gearbox housings * **Transmission Housings:** Helicopter and aircraft transmissions * **Engine Mounts and Brackets:** Critical structural components * **Missile Components:** Guidance system housings, structural parts * **Aircraft Wheel Housings** * **Racing & High-Performance:** * **Formula 1 Components:** Gearbox casings, engine parts * **Racing Transmission Housings** * **High-Performance Engine Components** * **Specialized Industrial:** * **High-Temperature Process Equipment** * **Nuclear Industry Components** (utilizing low neutron capture cross-section) * **High-Speed Machinery Components** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Good castability with proper foundry techniques * Requires careful control of silver content * Suitable for complex casting geometries * Good dimensional stability * Responsive to heat treatment **Secondary Processing:** * Good machinability with proper techniques * Excellent response to T6 heat treatment * Requires appropriate corrosion protection * Good surface finish characteristics * Weldable with specialized procedures --- **Summary** **Elektron W8 / QE22 Magnesium Alloy** represents a premium high-strength magnesium casting alloy that has set performance standards in the aerospace industry for decades. Its unique **silver-rare earth chemistry** provides an exceptional combination of **high tensile and yield strength** at room temperature, coupled with **good creep resistance** up to **250°C**. The addition of **silver** significantly enhances the age-hardening response, resulting in mechanical properties that surpass most other magnesium casting alloys. Certification to **AMS 4418** and **ASTM B80** standards ensures its reliability for critical aerospace components in gas turbine engines and other high-stress applications. While the alloy's cost is higher due to its silver content, its exceptional performance characteristics make it the material of choice for applications where maximum strength-to-weight ratio and reliability under demanding conditions are paramount. QE22 continues to be specified for critical components where its proven track record and superior mechanical properties justify its premium cost.

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 3414 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.