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Send EmailAlCu50 Master Alloy, Aluminium–Copper Master Alloy, AlCu Master Alloy, Aluminium–Copper Master Alloy, Stick, Rod, Waffle, Wire, 7440-50-8, 7429-90-5, 7440-21-3, 7439-89-6
ALUMINUM COPPER MASTER ALLOY (AlCu50)
ALCU MASTER ALLOY / STICK / ROD / WAFFLE / WIRE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminum Copper Master Alloy |
| Chemical Name | Aluminum-Copper Alloy, AlCu Master Alloy |
| Other Names | Copper-Added Hardener, Cu Hardener Alloy, AlCu Waffle, Aluminum-Copper Alloy |
| Chemical Composition | Al + Cu (Copper content 48-52%) |
| CAS Numbers (Component Based) | Copper (Cu): 7440-50-8, Aluminum (Al): 7429-90-5, Silicon (Si): 7440-21-3, Iron (Fe): 7439-89-6 |
| Appearance | Silver-reddish metallic waffle, ingot, rod or wire |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (metallic) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Aluminum Copper master alloy consists of copper phases homogeneously distributed within an aluminum matrix. Copper dissolves in aluminum or forms Al₂Cu intermetallic phases, increasing the alloy's hardness and strength. It provides age hardening, improving mechanical properties. It is a critical additive material especially in AlCu series alloys (2xxx series).
Structural Features:
ALUMINUM COPPER MASTER ALLOY (AlCu)
|
Al Matrix + Cu Phases / Al₂Cu
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Al₂Cu Phase Soluble Age
(Hardener) Cu Phases Hardening
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Al matrix (FCC) + Al₂Cu intermetallic phases |
| Density | ~2.8–3.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~640–660 °C |
| Appearance | Silver-reddish metallic waffle, ingot, rod or wire |
| Physical Forms | Ingot, Waffle Ingot, Stick, Rod, Wire |
3. COMMERCIAL VARIANT AND COMPOSITION
3.1. AlCu Master Alloy Variant
| Variant | Copper (Cu) Content | Aluminum (Al) Content | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AlCu50 | 48.0 – 52.0% | Remainder | High copper content hardener master alloy |
3.2. Typical Impurity Limits
| Parameter | Max. Value |
|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.30% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.30% |
| Other Total Impurities | ≤ 0.10% |
4. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Silver-reddish metallic | - |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Composition | Al + Cu (48-52% Cu) | - |
| Density | ~2.8–3.0 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | ~640–660 °C | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Releases hydrogen gas |
| Physical Forms | Waffle, Ingot, Rod, Wire | - |
| Packaging | Boxed protected waffle ingots, standard ingot packaging | - |
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. |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and copper oxide (CuO). |
| 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
2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO
Reaction with Acids:
2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂↑
Cu + 2H₂SO₄ → CuSO₄ + SO₂↑ + 2H₂O
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Hardener Additive in Aluminum Alloys
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness and Strength Increase | Age hardening | Forms soluble phases in Al matrix |
| AlCu Series Alloys | Additive material | Especially used in 2xxx series alloys |
| Heat Treatment Compatibility | Solution treatment and aging | Provides suitable phase structure for age hardening |
6.2. Sectoral Applications
| Application | Sector |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Fuselages, Automotive Chassis Parts, Defense Industry Components | Aerospace / Defense / Automotive |
| Aluminum Parts Operating Under High Temperature and Stress | Industrial Applications |
| High-Strength Aluminum Alloys | Aerospace / Defense |
6.3. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Suitable | Hardness enhancer in chassis and engine parts |
| Aerospace | Suitable | Mandatory in AlCu alloy structural components |
| Defense Industry | Suitable | In high-strength aluminum alloys |
| Construction | Limited | Limited use, generally not required |
| Electrical/Electronics | Limited | In some special alloys for thermal conductivity |
| Food Packaging | Not Suitable | Not suitable for food contact |
7. STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 573 | European aluminum alloy standards |
| AMS 4027 | Aerospace material specification |
| ASTM B209 | American aluminum sheet and plate standards |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| AlCu50 | High copper content | Standard hardener applications |
| AlCu40 | Lower copper content | Applications requiring lower Cu |
| Pure Copper | Elemental Cu | Direct alloying, more difficult to dissolve |
| AlCuMg | Magnesium-containing alternative | Special alloy requirements |
9. 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 copper compounds is limited. |
| Environmental Hazards | Moderate aquatic toxicity; caution required due to copper content. |
9.1. 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. |
| Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment | Category 1 | H400: Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)
10. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. |
| Container Requirements | Dry, moisture-free environment; store in original packaging. |
| 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. |
11. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Waffle Ingot | 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg | Boxed protected, optional vacuum packaging |
| Ingot | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg | Plastic wrap or coated metal cases |
| Stick / Rod | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg | Plastic wrap or coated metal cases |
| Wire | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg | Moisture-proof plastic bags or drums |
12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance) |
| Hazard Class | 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances) |
| Packing Group | III |
| ADR/RID | Regulated |
| IMDG | Regulated |
| IATA | Regulated |
| HS Code | 7601.20.00.00.00 (Unwrought aluminum alloys) |
13. 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 |
14. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| AlCu Master Alloy | Common name |
| AlCu50 | Copper-containing variant |
| Copper-Added Hardener | Functional name |
| Cu Hardener Alloy | Usage description |
| AlCu Waffle | Physical form name |
| Aluminum-Copper Alloy | Descriptive name |
| Copper Aluminum Additive Ingot | Common name |
15. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) Content | 48 – 52% |
| Density | ~2.8–3.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~640–660 °C |
| Physical Forms | Waffle, Ingot, Rod, Wire |
| HS Code | 7601.20.00.00.00 |
| UN Number | 3077 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
16. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Hardening Effect: AlCu master alloy provides age hardening in aluminum alloys, increasing hardness and strength. Correct dosage and heat treatment conditions are critical.
Age Hardening: Copper forms soluble phases in the aluminum matrix, providing age hardening. Heat treatment parameters (solution treatment, quenching, aging) directly affect performance.
Quality and Origin: Phase stability and impurity control are critical for age hardening effect. Trader-sourced products may show variability in purity and origin.
Environmental Impact: Due to copper content, it is toxic to aquatic environments (GHS09). Release into water sources must be prevented.
Oxidation: Oxidizes in oxidizing atmospheres at high temperatures; inert atmosphere or vacuum is required for melting operations.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Store in original packaging, moisture-free environment.
Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents.
Store at room temperature (15-25°C).
Handling:
Add to molten aluminum bath in controlled amounts.
Calculate correct dosage to achieve target Cu ratio.
Ensure proper mixing conditions for optimum homogenization.
Optimize heat treatment parameters according to alloy requirements.
Use vacuum or inert atmosphere (Ar, N₂) for melting operations.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Do not discharge into water sources (copper toxicity).
For large quantities, aluminum and copper 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. Aluminum Copper master alloy is a critical hardener additive material in high-strength aluminum alloys; environmental effects due to copper content should be carefully considered.