Elektron Zirmax Hardener Magnesium Alloy,E FOUR

### **Elektron Zirmax Hardener Magnesium Alloy** **Product Overview** Elektron Zirmax is a specialized magnesium-zirconium master alloy specifically designed as a grain refiner hardener for magnesium alloys. Unlike conventional magnesium alloys used for structural components, Zirmax serves as an additive that significantly improves the mechanical properties, castability, and performance of other magnesium alloys. Its primary function is to introduce controlled zirconium content into molten magnesium, resulting in exceptional grain refinement that enhances strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance of the final casting. This master alloy is typically supplied in granular or ingot form and is used in foundry operations as a critical processing additive for producing high-quality magnesium castings. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** Zirmax features a high zirconium content in a magnesium matrix, optimized for maximum grain refining efficiency. | Element | Composition (% by Weight) | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------- | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 25 - 40 % | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.20 % | | **Aluminum (Al)** | ≤ 0.10 % | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.05 % | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Nickel (Ni)** | ≤ 0.005 % | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.03 % | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.30 % (each) | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | Balance | *Note:* The high **zirconium** content exists as fine intermetallic particles dispersed throughout the magnesium matrix. This unique microstructure ensures rapid dissolution and effective grain refinement when added to molten magnesium alloys. --- #### **2. Physical & Mechanical Properties** As a master alloy, Zirmax's physical properties differ significantly from conventional magnesium alloys. **Physical Properties:** * **Density:** 2.4 - 2.8 g/cm³ (varies with Zr content) * **Melting Range:** 650 - 900 °C (1202 - 1652 °F) * **Appearance:** Gray granular or ingot material * **Solubility in Magnesium:** Complete at standard casting temperatures **Effect on Final Magnesium Alloys:** When properly added to magnesium alloys, Zirmax provides: * **Grain Size Reduction:** Up to 80-90% reduction in grain size * **Strength Improvement:** 20-40% increase in tensile and yield strength * **Ductility Enhancement:** 50-100% improvement in elongation * **Porosity Reduction:** Significant decrease in casting porosity * **Corrosion Resistance Improvement:** Enhanced corrosion performance through impurity control --- #### **3. International Standards & Specifications** Zirmax is recognized under various industry and proprietary specifications. * **ASTM International:** **ASTM B951** (Standard Practice for Codification of Unalloyed Magnesium and Magnesium-Alloys, Cast and Wrought) * **Proprietary Designation:** **Elektron Zirmax** (Luxfer MEL Technologies) * **Industry Standards:** Commonly specified in internal material specifications of major aerospace and automotive manufacturers --- #### **4. Product Applications** Zirmax is used as a critical processing material across multiple industries that utilize magnesium castings. * **Aerospace Castings:** * **Engine Component Production** * **Structural Casting Enhancement** * **Transmission Housing Manufacturing** * **Automotive Industry:** * **High-Pressure Die Casting of Automotive Components** * **Engine Block and Transmission Castings** * **Structural Automotive Parts** * **Industrial Applications:** * **Sand Casting of Large Industrial Components** * **Permanent Mold Casting Operations** * **Investment Casting of Precision Parts** * **Specialized Applications:** * **Racing Component Manufacturing** * **Electronics Housing Production** * **Defense Component Castings** --- #### **5. Usage Guidelines** **Typical Addition Rates:** 0.5 - 2.0% of total melt weight **Optimal Processing Temperature:** 720 - 780 °C (1328 - 1436 °F) **Contact Time:** 15 - 30 minutes before pouring **Compatible Alloys:** Particularly effective with zinc-containing and rare-earth magnesium alloys --- **Summary** **Elektron Zirmax Hardener** represents a critical enabling technology in advanced magnesium metallurgy, serving as the premier grain refining solution for magnesium foundries worldwide. Its high **zirconium content** and specialized manufacturing process ensure consistent, reliable grain refinement that transforms ordinary magnesium castings into high-performance components. The addition of Zirmax master alloy significantly enhances **mechanical properties**, improves **castability**, reduces **porosity**, and increases **corrosion resistance** of final magnesium products. While not a structural material itself, Zirmax plays an indispensable role in manufacturing high-quality magnesium components across aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors, making it an essential tool for achieving the full performance potential of magnesium alloys in critical 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 3401 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.