Elektron W8.01 Magnesium Alloy，MSR,E FOUR

### **Elektron W8.01 / MSR Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron W8.01, commercially designated as MSR, is an advanced magnesium-strontium-rare earth casting alloy specifically developed to provide excellent creep resistance at elevated temperatures while being environmentally friendly. The MSR alloy represents a significant technological advancement as it offers comparable performance to traditional thorium-containing alloys but eliminates the health and environmental concerns associated with radioactive elements. This alloy is particularly engineered for aerospace and high-performance applications requiring sustained operation at temperatures up to 300°C. The alloy is suitable for sand casting, permanent mold casting, and investment casting processes, with optimized properties achieved through specific heat treatment cycles. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** MSR features a strontium-rare earth system designed for high-temperature performance without hazardous elements. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Strontium (Sr)** | 1.2 - 2.2 % | | **Rare Earths (RE)*** | 1.5 - 2.5 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.3 - 0.6 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.3 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | ≤ 0.10 % | | **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" are typically based on neodymium. The key innovation is the use of **Strontium (Sr)** to form stable intermetallic phases that inhibit grain boundary sliding at high temperatures, providing excellent creep resistance without environmental concerns. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** MSR demonstrates superior high-temperature performance with good room temperature properties. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** ~1.81 g/cm³ (0.065 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** ~ 550 - 640 °C (1022 - 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):** 220 - 240 MPa (32 - 35 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 145 - 165 MPa (21 - 24 ksi) * **Elongation:** 3 - 6% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 145 - 165 MPa (21 - 24 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** ~ 120 MPa (17 ksi) * **Hardness:** 70 - 80 HBW **Elevated Temperature Performance (Key Feature):** MSR is specifically engineered for superior high-temperature capabilities: * **Excellent creep resistance up to 300°C (572°F)** * **Good strength retention at 250-300°C** * **Stable microstructure under prolonged thermal exposure** * **Superior environmental compatibility** compared to thorium-containing alloys --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** MSR is recognized under several key international and proprietary standards. * **Aerospace Material Specification (AMS):** **AMS 4439** (Primary specification for sand castings) * **ASTM International:** Referenced within AMS and other procurement documents * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron MSR** / **W8.01** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) * **Aerospace Standards:** Approved under material specifications of major aerospace manufacturers --- #### **4. Product Applications** The primary application of MSR is in components that require lightweight characteristics and must withstand sustained operation at elevated temperatures. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Housings** * **Engine Accessory Housings** * **Gearbox Housings** for transmissions and accessory drives * **Compressor Housings** in gas turbine engines * **Missile and Defense System Components** * **Automotive (High-Performance):** * **Turbocharger Housings** * **High-Performance Engine Components** * **Racing Transmission Casings** * **Industrial Applications:** * **High-Temperature Process Equipment** * **Industrial Compressor Housings** * **Specialized Machinery Components** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Good castability with proper foundry techniques * Suitable for complex geometries * Requires controlled solidification conditions * Good dimensional stability **Secondary Processing:** * Good machinability with proper techniques * Responsive to heat treatment * Requires standard magnesium corrosion protection * Compatible with conventional surface treatments --- **Summary** **Elektron W8.01 / MSR Magnesium Alloy** represents a significant advancement in environmentally conscious magnesium alloy technology. By utilizing **strontium** as a key alloying element, it delivers reliable **creep resistance up to 300°C** without relying on hazardous elements. The alloy's specification under **AMS 4439** certifies it for demanding aerospace applications where both performance and environmental compliance are essential. MSR effectively bridges the gap between conventional magnesium alloys and the ultra-high-temperature capabilities of more expensive rare-earth alloys, offering a balanced and sustainable solution for elevated temperature service. Its development demonstrates the continuous innovation in magnesium alloy technology, providing engineers with environmentally friendly options that don't compromise on performance for critical high-temperature applications.

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 3415 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.