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AlTiC Master Alloy, AlTi5C, AlTi3C, Carbon Grain Refiner, AlTiC Stick, Coil, AlTi Wire, AlTiC Rod, 7440-32-6, 7440-44-0, 7429-90-5

AlTiC Master Alloy, AlTi5C, AlTi3C, Carbon Grain Refiner, AlTiC Stick, Coil, AlTi Wire, AlTiC Rod, 7440-32-6, 7440-44-0, 7429-90-5

ALUMINUM TITANIUM CARBON (AlTiC) MASTER ALLOY

AlTiC Grain Refiner / Carbon-added Grain Refiner

CAS Numbers: 7429-90-5 (Al), 7440-32-6 (Ti), 7440-44-0 (C)

1. IDENTIFICATION

Property Information
Product Name Aluminum Titanium Carbon Master Alloy (AlTiC)
Synonyms AlTiC master alloy, Carbon-added grain refiner, AlTiC stick, AlTiC coil, Grain refiner with carbon
Composition Aluminum (Al) + Titanium (Ti) + Carbon (C)
CAS Numbers 7429-90-5 (Aluminum)
7440-32-6 (Titanium)
7440-44-0 (Carbon)
Appearance Gray metallic solid
Forms Rod (stick), Coil (spiral/wire), Waffle ingot

Note: The alloy itself does not have a dedicated CAS number; the constituent elements are used for identification.

2. STANDARD GRADES & COMPOSITIONS

Grade Titanium (Ti) % Carbon (C) % Aluminum (Al) % Ti:C Ratio (approx)
AlTi5C0.15 4.5 – 5.5 0.12 – 0.20 Balance ~30:1
AlTi3C0.15 2.6 – 3.5 0.10 – 0.18 Balance ~20:1
AlTi5C0.2 4.5 – 5.5 0.15 – 0.25 Balance ~25:1
AlTi3C0.1 2.6 – 3.5 0.08 – 0.15 Balance ~25:1

Typical Specifications (AlTi5C0.15):

Element Specification (wt%)
Titanium (Ti) 4.5 – 5.5
Carbon (C) 0.12 – 0.20
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.30
Silicon (Si) ≤ 0.20
Vanadium (V) ≤ 0.10
Other (each) ≤ 0.03
Aluminum (Al) Balance

3. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value
Density (20°C) ~2.7 g/cm³ (similar to pure aluminum)
Melting Point ~660 °C (1,220 °F) – similar to aluminum
Appearance Gray, metallic luster
Forms Rod (stick), Coil (spiral/wire), Waffle ingot
Thermal Conductivity Similar to aluminum (~237 W/(m·K))
Electrical Conductivity Similar to aluminum (good conductor)

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Information
Chemical Class Metal alloy (Al-Ti-C system)
Active Phase TiC (Titanium Carbide) particles
TiC Particle Size 0.5 – 5 µm (typically)
Reactivity Reacts with oxygen at high temperatures (oxidation)
Solubility in Aluminum Ti and C form stable TiC particles; minimal dissolution
Stability TiC particles are thermodynamically stable in molten Al
Poisoning Resistance Excellent (no Si poisoning)

Key Intermetallic Phase:

Phase Formula Role
TiC Titanium Carbide Primary nucleation site for α-Al grains

Comparison of Active Phases:

Master Alloy Active Phase Particle Size Stability in Molten Al
AlTiC TiC 0.5-5 µm Very stable
AlTiB TiB₂ 0.5-5 µm Stable, but poisoned by Si
AlTi TiAl₃ 10-50 µm Dissolves in melt

5. GRAIN REFINEMENT MECHANISM

Stage Description
1. Addition AlTiC master alloy is added to molten aluminum (typically 700-750°C)
2. Dissolution The aluminum matrix dissolves, releasing TiC particles
3. Particle Distribution TiC particles disperse uniformly in the melt
4. Nucleation TiC particles act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for α-Al grains
5. Grain Growth Restriction Dissolved Ti creates a growth-restricting zone
6. Refined Structure Result: Fine, equiaxed grain structure

Why AlTiC is Preferred for High-Si Alloys:

Alloy Type AlTiB Performance AlTiC Performance
Low Si (<3%) Excellent Good
Medium Si (3-7%) Moderate (some poisoning) Excellent
High Si (>7%) Poor (severe poisoning) Excellent
Hyper-eutectic (>12% Si) Very Poor (ineffective) Good to Excellent

6. APPLICATIONS

6.1. High-Silicon Aluminum Alloys (Primary Advantage)

Application Alloy Series Function
Engine Blocks AlSi7Mg, AlSi9Cu3, AlSi12Cu Grain refinement without poisoning
Cylinder Heads AlSi7Mg, AlSi10Mg Improved mechanical properties
Pistons AlSi12, AlSi18 (hyper-eutectic) Fine grain structure
Cylinder Liners AlSi17Cu4Mg Wear resistance improvement

6.2. Automotive Industry

Application Alloy Series Function
Wheels (Rims) A356, A357 Improved fatigue resistance
Chassis Components AlSi10Mg Better ductility
Suspension Parts AlSi7Mg Enhanced mechanical properties
Heat Exchangers 3xxx series Improved formability

6.3. Aerospace Industry

Application Alloy Series Function
High-Strength Castings A356, A357 Grain refinement for critical components
Structural Parts 2xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx Homogeneous microstructure

6.4. General Aluminum Casting

Application Function
Sand Casting Grain refinement for various alloys
Permanent Mold Casting Improved mechanical properties
Low Pressure Die Casting (LPDC) Uniform grain structure
High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) Reduced hot tearing

6.5. Wrought Aluminum Products

Application Function
Extrusion Billets Grain refinement for 6xxx series
Rolling Ingots Uniform grain structure for sheet and plate
Wire Rods Fine grain for drawing

7. COMPARISON: AlTiC vs AlTiB

Property AlTiC AlTiB
Active Phase TiC (Titanium Carbide) TiB₂ (Titanium Diboride)
Ti Content 3-5% 3-5%
Active Element 0.1-0.2% C 0.8-1.2% B
Grain Refining Efficiency (Low Si) Good Excellent
Grain Refining Efficiency (High Si) Excellent Poor (poisoned by Si)
Fading Resistance Excellent Moderate
Poisoning by Si None Severe (>7% Si)
Cost Higher Lower
Primary Application High-Si alloys, critical castings General aluminum alloys

Selection Guide:

Condition Recommended Master Alloy
Si < 3% AlTiB (lower cost) or AlTiC
Si = 3-7% AlTiC (safer) or AlTiB (test first)
Si > 7% AlTiC (required)
Hyper-eutectic (>12% Si) AlTiC (only option)
Long holding times AlTiC (better fading resistance)
Critical castings (aerospace) AlTiC (more reliable)

8. TYPICAL ADDITION RATES

Application Typical Addition Rate (kg/ton) Notes
Low Si Alloys (<3% Si) 0.5 – 1.5 Similar to AlTiB
Medium Si Alloys (3-7% Si) 1.0 – 2.0 Higher rate recommended
High Si Alloys (>7% Si) 1.5 – 2.5 Required for effective refinement
Hyper-eutectic Alloys 2.0 – 3.0 Specialized application

Target Titanium Level in Melt: 0.005 – 0.020% Ti (50-200 ppm)

Formula:

Addition rate (kg/ton) = (Target Ti% - Initial Ti%) × 1000 / Ti% in master alloy
Example: Target Ti = 0.015%, Initial Ti = 0%, Master alloy Ti = 5%
Addition = (0.015 - 0) × 1000 / 5 = 3 kg/ton

9. AVAILABLE FORMS

Form Dimensions Application
Rod (Stick) Ø9.5 mm, Ø12.5 mm, Ø15 mm Manual addition, continuous wire feeder
Coil (Spiral) Various diameters, continuous length Automated feeding systems
Waffle Ingot 5-10 kg pieces Manual addition to furnaces
Button (Pig) 0.5-1 kg pieces Small batch addition
Cut Pieces 10-50 mm length Pre-measured addition

10. ADVANTAGES OF AlTiC

Advantage Description
No Silicon Poisoning TiC particles are stable in high-Si melts; no loss of efficiency
Superior Fading Resistance TiC particles do not settle or agglomerate; longer holding times possible
Finer Grain Structure Produces more uniform, finer grains than AlTiB in many alloys
Improved Mechanical Properties Higher strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance
Better Surface Quality Reduced surface defects in castings
Compatible with Alloy Types Works with AlSi, AlMg, AlCu, AlZn alloys
Reduced Scrap Rates More consistent grain refinement

11. STORAGE & HANDLING

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Container Requirements Original packaging (cartons, vacuum bags, wooden crates)
Protect From Moisture, water, corrosive environments
Shelf Life Indefinite (when stored properly in dry conditions)
Packaging Options Cartons (rods), vacuum-sealed bags (coils), wooden crates (waffle ingots)

12. SAFETY & HEALTH INFORMATION

GHS Classification (for the alloy – bulk solid)

Hazard Class Category
Not classified as hazardous (for solid bulk form)

Notes:

  • The solid master alloy is not classified as hazardous under normal handling conditions.

  • Fine dust (from grinding or machining) may be combustible.

  • Fumes from melting may cause metal fume fever.

First Aid Measures

Exposure Route Action
Inhalation (Dust/Fumes) Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs.
Skin Contact Wash with soap and water.
Eye Contact Rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes.
Ingestion Unlikely for solid form. Seek medical attention if large pieces swallowed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Handling/Melting

Equipment Recommendation
Respiratory Protection Dust mask (when grinding); fume respirator (when melting)
Hand Protection Heat-resistant gloves (for handling hot ingots)
Eye Protection Safety glasses with side shields
Body Protection Heat-resistant apron, protective clothing

13. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Biodegradability Not applicable (inorganic metal alloy)
Aquatic Toxicity Low; aluminum, titanium, carbon are naturally occurring elements
Recyclability 100% recyclable
Waste Disposal Recycle as scrap metal. Dispose according to local regulations.

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not regulated (solid metal)
Hazard Class None
Packing Group Not applicable
Marine Pollutant No

15. SECTORAL COMPATIBILITY

Sector Compatibility Description
Automotive High Engine blocks, cylinder heads, wheels, chassis components
Aerospace High High-strength aluminum alloy castings
General Casting High Sand, permanent mold, low/high pressure die casting
Extrusion Limited Primarily for billet casting; not added during extrusion
Construction Limited Not typically required for standard profiles
Food Packaging Not suitable Not used in food contact applications
Electrical/Electronics Limited Some specialty alloy applications

16. OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS

Turkish Name English Name
Alüminyum Titanyum Karbon Alaşımı Aluminum Titanium Carbon Alloy
AlTiC Master Alaşımı AlTiC Master Alloy
Karbonlu Tane İnceltici Carbon-added Grain Refiner
AlTiC Çubuk / Tel AlTiC Rod / Wire
AlTiC Spiral AlTiC Coil
AlTiC Petek Külçe AlTiC Waffle Ingot
AlTi5C0.15 / AlTi3C0.15 AlTi5C0.15 / AlTi3C0.15

17. SUMMARY

Aluminum Titanium Carbon (AlTiC) Master Alloy is a carbon-added grain refiner for aluminum and aluminum alloys, specifically designed for applications where AlTiB is ineffective due to silicon poisoning.

Key Features:

Feature Value
Appearance Gray metallic solid
Density ~2.7 g/cm³
Melting Point ~660°C
Forms Rod (stick), Coil, Waffle ingot

Standard Grades:

Grade Ti (%) C (%) Primary Application
AlTi5C0.15 4.5-5.5 0.12-0.20 High-performance, general use
AlTi3C0.15 2.6-3.5 0.10-0.18 Lower cost, less demanding

Main Application Areas:

Sector Applications
Automotive Engine blocks, cylinder heads, wheels, chassis
Aerospace High-strength aluminum alloy castings
General Casting Sand, permanent mold, HPDC, LPDC
AlSi Alloys All AlSi alloys (especially >7% Si)

Key Advantages over AlTiB:

  • No silicon poisoning – Effective in high-Si alloys

  • Superior fading resistance – Longer holding times

  • More consistent results – Reliable grain refinement

18. IMPORTANT NOTES

  1. Primary Application – High-Si Alloys: AlTiC is specifically designed for aluminum-silicon alloys where AlTiB suffers from "silicon poisoning." For alloys with >7% Si, AlTiC is the recommended grain refiner.

  2. Silicon Poisoning Mechanism: In AlTiB, silicon reacts with TiB₂ particles to form TiSi₂ and release boron, which reduces or eliminates grain refining efficiency. TiC particles in AlTiC are not attacked by silicon, maintaining their effectiveness.

  3. Fading Resistance: TiC particles have excellent stability in molten aluminum. They do not settle, agglomerate, or dissolve over time. This allows longer holding times (up to 2-3 hours) without loss of grain refining efficiency.

  4. TiC Particle Size: The grain refining efficiency of AlTiC depends on TiC particle size. Optimal particle size range is 0.5-5 µm. Particles that are too large (>10 µm) are less effective; particles that are too small (<0.2 µm) may agglomerate.

  5. Addition Temperature: Recommended addition temperature is 700-750°C (similar to AlTiB). Lower temperatures may cause incomplete dissolution of the aluminum matrix. Higher temperatures increase oxidation and hydrogen pickup.

  6. Dosage Comparison with AlTiB: For high-Si alloys, AlTiC may require slightly higher addition rates (1.5-2.5 kg/ton) compared to AlTiB in low-Si alloys (0.5-1.5 kg/ton). This is due to the lower active element content (C vs B).

  7. Cost Consideration: AlTiC is generally more expensive than AlTiB due to higher raw material cost (carbon source) and more complex manufacturing. However, for high-Si applications where AlTiB fails, AlTiC is the only effective option.

  8. Forms Selection:

    • Rod (Stick): For manual addition and continuous wire feeders

    • Coil (Spiral): For automated feeding systems

    • Waffle Ingot: For manual addition to large furnaces

  9. Storage: Store in dry conditions. Aluminum master alloys can develop aluminum hydroxide (white powder) on the surface if stored in humid conditions. Vacuum-sealed packaging is recommended for long-term storage.

  10. Recycling: AlTiC master alloys are 100% recyclable. Scrap material can be returned to the manufacturer or recycled as aluminum scrap.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.

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