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Send EmailNeodymium-Aluminum Master Alloy, AlNd5, AlNd10, AlNd15, AlNd20
NEODYMIUM-ALUMINUM MASTER ALLOY (Al-Nd)
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Neodymium-Aluminum Master Alloy |
| Chemical Name | Aluminum-Neodymium Alloy, Al-Nd Master Alloy |
| Other Names | AlNd, Al-Nd Alloy Ingot, Grain Refiner Alloy, Sputtering Target Alloy |
| CAS Number | No specific CAS number for the alloy; evaluated by components (Al: 7429-90-5, Nd: 7440-00-8) |
| EC Number | No specific EC number for the alloy |
| Chemical Formula | Al-Nd (Nd content varies from 5% to 20% by weight) |
| Molecular Weight | Varies depending on composition |
| Appearance | Silver-gray metallic ingot or granule |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (metallic ingot, granule or powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Neodymium-aluminum master alloy consists of neodymium-containing intermetallic phases dispersed within an aluminum matrix. Within the aluminum FCC (Face-Centered Cubic) crystal structure, neodymium-aluminum intermetallic compounds (such as Al₃Nd, Al₁₁Nd₃) are homogeneously distributed. As the neodymium content increases, the amount of intermetallic phases increases and the mechanical and physical properties of the alloy change. The alloy is produced by adding neodymium metal or neodymium fluoride (NdF₃) to molten aluminum.
Structural Features:
NEODYMIUM-ALUMINUM MASTER ALLOY (Al-Nd)
|
Al Matrix + Nd Intermetallic Phases
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
FCC Crystal Al₃Nd / Al₁₁Nd₃ High Thermal
Structure Intermetallic Stability
Phases
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | FCC (Aluminum matrix) + Intermetallic phases (Al₃Nd, Al₁₁Nd₃) |
| Density | ~2.8–3.5 g/cm³ (varies depending on Nd content) |
| Melting Point | ~620–660 °C (varies depending on Nd content) |
| Appearance | Silver-gray metallic ingot or granule |
| Electrical Conductivity | Decreases compared to aluminum; conductivity decreases with increasing Nd content |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Silver-gray metallic ingot or granule | - |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | Al-Nd (5-20% Nd) | - |
| Density | ~2.8–3.5 g/cm³ | Varies depending on Nd content |
| Melting Point | ~620–660 °C | Varies depending on Nd content |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble (with HF, HCl, HNO₃) | - |
| Thermal Conductivity | Lower than pure aluminum | - |
| Electrical Conductivity | Decreases with increasing Nd content | - |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; may oxidize at high temperatures | - |
| Magnetic Properties | Paramagnetic (due to Nd content) | - |
4. COMMERCIAL COMPOSITIONS (AlNd GRADES)
| Parameter | AlNd5 | AlNd10 | AlNd15 | AlNd20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neodymium (Nd) Content | 4.5–5.5% | 9.5–10.5% | 14.5–15.5% | 19.5–20.5% |
| Aluminum (Al) Content | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder | Remainder |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.2% | ≤ 0.2% | ≤ 0.2% | ≤ 0.2% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Other Rare Earths | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% |
| Oxygen (O₂) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.05% |
| Melting Point (Approx.) | ~655 °C | ~645 °C | ~635 °C | ~625 °C |
| Density (Approx.) | ~2.85 g/cm³ | ~2.95 g/cm³ | ~3.10 g/cm³ | ~3.25 g/cm³ |
5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions; forms a passive oxide layer on the surface. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Oxidizing atmosphere at high temperatures, strong acids, moisture (prolonged contact). |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids (HF, HCl, HNO₃), strong bases, oxidizing agents. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃). |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low; does not absorb moisture under normal conditions. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
-
Oxidation (at High Temperature):
4Al + 3O₂ → 2Al₂O₃
4Nd + 3O₂ → 2Nd₂O₃ -
Reaction with Acids:
2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂↑
2Nd + 6HCl → 2NdCl₃ + 3H₂↑ -
Reaction with Bases: Reacts with strong bases such as NaOH:
2Al + 2NaOH + 6H₂O → 2Na[Al(OH)₄] + 3H₂↑
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Casting Metallurgy and Grain Refiner Addition
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Refiner Addition | Grain structure improvement | Reduces grain size in aluminum casting alloys, improving mechanical properties. |
| Modification Addition | Mechanical property improvement | Increases thermal resistance and hardness values. |
| Alloying | Alloying element | Addition of Nd to aluminum-based alloys. |
6.2. NdFeB Magnet Production
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nd Carrier | Neodymium source | Used as an aluminum-based neodymium carrier. |
| Magnet Precursor | NdFeB production | Alternative carrier form for Nd element. |
6.3. Electronics and Aerospace
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight High-Strength Alloys | Lightness and strength | Aerospace and defense industry structural applications. |
| Electronic Components | Thermal management | Cooling and heat dissipation in electronic systems. |
6.4. Sputtering Targets and Thin Film Coating
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sputtering Target | Thin film source | Al-Nd thin film coating applications in vacuum systems. |
| PVD Coating | Coating material | Used in physical vapor deposition (PVD) applications. |
6.5. Automotive Industry
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Resistance Addition | High temperature performance | Engine parts and high temperature applications. |
| Strength Addition | Mechanical strength | Structural and chassis components. |
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
7.1. Raw Material Sources
Neodymium-aluminum master alloy is produced from high-purity aluminum and neodymium-containing compounds:
| Source Type | Aluminum/Nd Form | Major Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | High purity Al (99.7%+) | Global (China, Russia, USA, Europe) |
| Neodymium Metal (Nd) | Elemental Nd | China, India, USA |
| Neodymium Fluoride (NdF₃) | Rare earth compound | China, USA |
7.2. Production Process Flow
Aluminum (Al) + Neodymium Metal (Nd) or Neodymium Fluoride (NdF₃)
↓
Vacuum/Inert Atmosphere Melting Furnace (~700-800°C)
↓
Homogenization (Mixing and Nd Distribution)
↓
Casting (Ingot or Granule Form)
↓
Cooling (Under Controlled Conditions)
↓
Processing (Cutting, Granulation if Required)
↓
Quality Control (Analysis and Inspection)
↓
Packaging (Dry, Moisture-Free Environment)
7.3. Process Stages
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | High-purity aluminum and neodymium metal or neodymium fluoride are obtained. |
| 2. Melting | Aluminum is melted at ~700-800°C under vacuum or inert atmosphere (Ar). |
| 3. Nd Addition | Nd metal or NdF₃ is added to the molten aluminum and mixed. |
| 4. Homogenization | The alloy is mixed until homogeneous distribution is achieved. |
| 5. Casting | The homogeneous alloy is cast in ingot or granule form. |
| 6. Cooling | The alloy is cooled under controlled conditions. |
| 7. Processing | Cutting, crushing or granulation operations are performed if required. |
| 8. Packaging | Packaged in dry, moisture-free environment to prevent oxidation. |
8. SECTORAL SUITABILITY TABLE
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Casting Metallurgy | Suitable | Used as grain refiner and modification additive. |
| Electronics | Suitable | Used in thin film and sputtering applications. |
| Aerospace | Suitable | Used in lightweight high-strength alloy systems. |
| Automotive | Suitable | Used as thermal resistance and strength additive. |
| Defense Industry | Suitable | Used in structural and thermal applications. |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Direct use is not appropriate. |
| Food and Pharmaceutical | Not Suitable | Prohibited due to metallic structure. |
9. COMPARISON WITH ALTERNATIVE ALLOYS
| Alloy | Description | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Ce | Low-cost rare earth additive | Lower cost; different modification effect. |
| Al-La | Grain refiner and modification additive | Similar modification effect; different cost. |
| Al-Ti-B | Conventional grain refiner system | Widely used, low-cost system. |
| Al-Nd-Fe | Special magnetic alloy for NdFeB production | Special composition for magnetic applications. |
10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal Toxicity | Low |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Inhalation | Metal dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Long-term data on aluminum and neodymium compounds is limited. |
| Environmental Hazards | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity. |
11. GHS CLASSIFICATION
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable Solid (Metal Dust) | Category 1 | H228: Flammable solid. |
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315: Causes skin irritation. |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2A | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity | Category 3 | H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
UN Number: Not classified (specific regulations apply for metal alloys).
12. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P210 | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. |
| P240 | Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. |
| P241 | Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting equipment. |
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust. |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| P271 | Use only in well-ventilated areas. |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. |
13. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention. |
14. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure a moisture-free environment. |
| Container Requirements | Moisture-proof, tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C). |
| Shelf Life | Unlimited under appropriate conditions (except surface oxidation). |
| Stability Note | Stable under normal conditions; forms a passive oxide layer on the surface. Prolonged exposure to humid conditions may cause surface darkening. |
15. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Ingot | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg | Plastic wrap or coated metal cases. |
| Granule / Chip | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg | Moisture-proof plastic bags or drums. |
| Sputtering Target | Custom sizes | Vacuum packaging, inert atmosphere. |
16. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified (specific regulations apply for metal alloys). |
| Hazard Class | - |
| Packing Group | - |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated (except powder form). |
| IMDG | Not regulated (except powder form). |
| IATA | Not regulated (except powder form). |
| HS Code | 7601.20.00.00.00 (Unwrought aluminum alloys). |
17. REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union (REACH) | Registered as an alloy; evaluated by components. |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Compliance required. |
| TSCA (USA) | Registered. |
| China | Registered; major production and export country. |
18. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
-
AlNd Master Alloy
-
Neodymium Aluminum
-
Grain Refiner Alloy
-
Al-Nd Alloy Ingot
-
Sputtering Target Alloy
-
AlNd5, AlNd10, AlNd15, AlNd20
-
Aluminum-Neodymium Master Alloy
19. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | No specific CAS for the alloy |
| EC Number | No specific EC for the alloy |
| Chemical Formula | Al-Nd (5-20% Nd) |
| Appearance | Silver-gray metallic ingot or granule |
| Density | ~2.8–3.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~620–660 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| UN Number | - |
| HS Code | 7601.20.00.00.00 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
20. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
High Temperature Oxidation: The alloy oxidizes in oxidizing atmospheres at high temperatures; Al₂O₃ and Nd₂O₃ form on the surface. Inert atmosphere or vacuum is required for melting operations.
-
Acid Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids releasing hydrogen gas. Acid use must be controlled.
-
Base Reactivity: Reacts with strong bases (such as NaOH) releasing hydrogen gas.
-
Flammable Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may be flammable and explosive. Dust formation must be avoided.
-
Non-Homogeneous Distribution: If Nd content is not homogeneously distributed within the alloy, performance variations may occur in use.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
-
Storage:
-
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
-
Use moisture-proof containers.
-
Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents.
-
If in powder form, keep away from ignition sources.
-
Store at room temperature (15-25°C).
-
-
Handling:
-
Use in well-ventilated areas.
-
If in powder form, use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.
-
If in ingot form, use protective equipment during mechanical processing.
-
For melting operations, use vacuum or inert atmosphere (Ar, N₂).
-
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
-
-
Waste Management:
-
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
-
Do not discharge into water sources.
-
For large quantities, aluminum and rare earth recovery should be considered.
-
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Neodymium-aluminum master alloy is a metallic product that must be stored and handled under appropriate conditions; powder form may be flammable.
