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AlCu50 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

AlCu50 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.

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