Elektron C Magnesium Alloy,E FOUR

### **Elektron C Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron C is a specialized magnesium-zirconium casting alloy designed for applications requiring high strength at elevated temperatures. As part of the early generation of heat-resistant magnesium alloys, Elektron C offers good mechanical properties and creep resistance at temperatures up to 250°C, making it suitable for aerospace and racing applications where weight reduction and high-temperature performance are critical. The alloy leverages zirconium for grain refinement and rare earth elements for elevated temperature strength stabilization. This alloy is typically supplied as sand castings and permanent mold castings, with properties optimized through appropriate heat treatment. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** Elektron C features a rare earth-zirconium system designed for high-temperature performance. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Rare Earths (RE)*** | 2.5 - 4.0 % | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.5 - 1.0 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.3 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.15 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.10 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.003 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.30 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The "Rare Earths" typically consist of cerium-based mischmetal. **Zirconium** provides essential grain refinement, while the **rare earth elements** form stable intermetallic compounds that resist coarsening at elevated temperatures, maintaining strength and creep resistance. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** Elektron C offers good elevated temperature performance with adequate room temperature properties. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 1.82 g/cm³ (0.066 lb/in³) * **Melting Range:** 580 - 640 °C (1076 - 1184 °F) * **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:** 26.5 μm/m·°C (20-200°C) * **Thermal Conductivity:** 75 W/m·K **Typical Mechanical Properties (T6 Condition):** * **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS):** 200 - 230 MPa (29 - 33 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS):** 150 - 180 MPa (22 - 26 ksi) * **Elongation:** 2 - 5% * **Compressive Yield Strength:** 150 - 180 MPa (22 - 26 ksi) * **Shear Strength:** 125 - 145 MPa (18 - 21 ksi) * **Hardness:** 65 - 75 HBW **Elevated Temperature Performance:** * **Useful creep resistance up to 250°C (482°F)** * **Good microstructural stability at elevated temperatures** * **Maintains mechanical properties after prolonged exposure to 200-250°C** --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** Elektron C is recognized under various historical and current specifications. * **British Standards:** **BS 2970 MAG-3** * **Aerospace Standards:** **AMS 4432** * **Historical Specifications:** **DTD 5006** * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron C** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) * **Similar Alloys:** **ZE41A** (ASTM B80) --- #### **4. Product Applications** Elektron C has been historically important in aerospace and continues in specific applications. * **Aerospace & Defense:** * **Helicopter Transmission Housings** * **Gearbox Casings** * **Engine Accessory Housings** * **Aircraft Wheel Housings** * **Racing & High-Performance:** * **Engine Components** * **Gearbox Casings** * **Racing Wheel Housings** * **Industrial Applications:** * **High-Temperature Machinery Components** * **Specialized Equipment Housings** --- #### **5. Manufacturing Characteristics** **Casting Performance:** * Good castability with adequate fluidity * Requires proper zirconium grain refinement * Suitable for sand and permanent mold casting * Responds well to heat treatment **Secondary Processing:** * Good machinability * Requires appropriate corrosion protection * Suitable for various surface treatments --- **Summary** **Elektron C Magnesium Alloy** represents an important historical development in magnesium alloy technology, being one of the first commercially successful heat-resistant magnesium casting alloys. Its **rare earth-zirconium** composition provides good **elevated temperature performance** and **creep resistance** up to 250°C, making it suitable for aerospace and high-performance applications. While newer alloys like WE43 and EQ21 offer superior properties, Elektron C maintains relevance in specific applications where its proven track record and cost-effectiveness are valued. The alloy's compliance with standards such as **BS 2970** and **AMS 4432** ensures its continued use in certified aerospace components, particularly in legacy systems and applications where its specific performance characteristics have been thoroughly validated through decades of service experience.

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 3409 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.