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Cobalt-Copper Master Alloy, 7440-48-4, 7440-50-8, 12506-85-3

Cobalt-Copper Master Alloy, 7440-48-4, 7440-50-8, 12506-85-3

COBALT-COPPER MASTER ALLOY

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Information
Product Name Cobalt-Copper Master Alloy
Alloy Code CuCo10, 10Co
CAS Number (Alloy) 12506-85-3 (Cobalt, compd. with copper (1:1))
EC / EINECS Number Not available (n/a)
Chemical Formula CoCu
Molecular Weight ~122.48 g/mol
Exact Mass 121.862791 g/mol
Nominal Composition 10% Cobalt, 90% Copper (by weight)
Impurity Limit Total impurities < 0.3% (Fe, Ni, P, Pb, Sn, etc.)
Form Ingot / Granules / Mini chips
Color / Appearance Metallic, copper-red, homogeneous structure
Standard EN 1981:2003 – Copper and copper alloys. Master alloys

Component Identity Information:

Component Ratio CAS Number EC Number Safety Note
Cobalt 10% 7440-48-4 231-158-0 Avoid inhalation of powder form
Copper 90% 7440-50-8 231-159-6 Avoid inhalation of powder or fumes

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

2.1. Molecular Structure

Cobalt-Copper master alloy (CuCo10) is an intermetallic compound of copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co). The alloy consists of a copper-rich solid solution matrix with finely distributed cobalt-rich intermetallic phases. The primary phase present is Cu solid solution with dissolved cobalt, forming a homogeneous structure with minimal segregation.

Crystal Structure:

                    CuCo10 MASTER ALLOY
                               |
                 Cu-Co Solid Solution / Intermetallic
                               |
             +----------------+----------------+
             |                |                |
         Cu-rich Matrix    Co-rich Phases    Homogeneous
         (FCC)             (Intermetallic)   Distribution

2.2. Phase Structure and Crystallographic Properties

Phase Chemical Composition Crystal System Description
Cu-rich Matrix Cu (Co) Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) Copper solid solution with dissolved cobalt
Co-rich Phases Co-Cu (Intermetallic) Various Provide cobalt delivery and alloying

2.3. Crystal Structure Details

Parameter Value
Crystal System Cubic (FCC) / Intermetallic
Space Group Fm3̄m (Cu matrix)
Coordination Number 12
Appearance Metallic, copper-red
Grain Structure Fine-grained, balanced cobalt particle distribution

3. PHYSICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES

Parameter Metric (SI) Unit
Liquidus Temperature 1480 °C
Liquidus (Kelvin) 1753 K
Solidus Temperature 1460 °C
Solidus (Kelvin) 1733 K
Melting Range 20 °C (very narrow)
Density (20°C) ~8.9 g/cm³
Electrical Conductivity ~25-30 % IACS
Thermal Conductivity ~200 W/m·K
Hardness (Brinell, HB) ~80-110 -

Note: The narrow melting range (20°C) is ideal for precise alloying and controlled solidification.

4. MICROSTRUCTURE AND HOMOGENEITY

Feature Description
Production Method Vacuum induction or protective atmosphere melting + continuous casting
Grain Structure Fine-grained, balanced cobalt particle distribution
Homogeneity Segregation ratio < 2%, superior to standard master alloys
Oxide Formation Low due to protective atmosphere production

5. APPLICATION AREAS (DETAILED)

5.1. Electrical and Electronics Sector

Application Description
High-Strength Copper Alloys CuCrZrCo (chromium, zirconium, cobalt addition)
Automotive Connectors Plugs and sockets requiring spring force
Pantograph Wires High wear and arc resistance conductive materials

5.2. Thermal Applications

Application Description
Welding Electrodes Cobalt addition to zirconium-copper improves softening resistance
Resistance Welding Jaws High temperature yield strength

5.3. Heavy Duty and Industrial

Application Description
Rolling Mill Guides Wear-resistant components
Furnace Conveyor Chains High temperature applications
Mold Materials Cobalt-containing copper alloys for metal injection molds

5.4. Specialty Metallurgical Processes

Application Description
Powder Metallurgy Matrix reinforcement in composite materials
Laser Cladding Wear resistance enhancement

6. APPLICATION METHODS

Application Type Process Steps Temperature (°C) Notes
Master Melt Addition Add 2-10% CuCo10 to alloy melt 1480-1550 Stirring required
Powder Metallurgy Mix granules into copper matrix + sintering 900-1050 Protective atmosphere
Pre-Casting Modification Add 5 minutes before pouring 1450-1480 Acts as grain refiner

Recommended Dosage: Final cobalt content is typically 0.5-5% depending on requirements. Using 10% Co master alloy:
Example: For 2.5% Co alloy, add 25% by weight of CuCo10 to the melt.

7. ALTERNATIVE ALLOYS COMPARISON

Alloy Advantages Disadvantages Substitute?
CuCo10 (This Product) High homogeneity, narrow melting range, good electrical conductivity Cobalt price fluctuates -
CuNi10 (Cu-Ni) Low cost, good corrosion resistance Lower temperature resistance Partially (if high temp not required)
CuFe10 Very cheap, magnetic Low electrical conductivity No (conductivity loss)
CuCr1Zr (Cu-Cr-Zr) High conductivity, good strength Zirconium sensitive to oxidation Yes (if cobalt wear resistance not required)
CuBe2 (Be-Cu) Very high strength, fatigue resistance Toxic, expensive No (toxic alternative)

When to Prefer CuCo10:

  • High temperature softening resistance required

  • Arc erosion resistant electrical contacts needed

  • Toxic Beryllium-free alternative desired

8. ADVANTAGES

Advantage Description
Homogeneous Cobalt Distribution Local hardness differences are minimal
Narrow Liquid-Solid Range (20°C) Grain boundary segregation is prevented
Low Oxide Formation Due to protective atmosphere production
Recyclable Scrap can be remelted
Beryllium-Free Safe alternative to toxic CuBe alloys
High Temperature Resistance Excellent softening resistance at elevated temperatures
Arc Erosion Resistance Suitable for electrical contact applications

9. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Parameter Recommendation
Temperature 5 – 40 °C
Humidity Below 50%, preferably with desiccant packaging
Shelf Life Unlimited (if not oxidized)
Transport Palletized, impact-resistant with styrofoam or wooden cases
Precautions Keep away from acids, salts, alkalis, and strong oxidizers

10. HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION

Hazard Classification:

  • Not classified as dangerous under ADR 2019 (metal alloy)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Operation PPE Required
Granule Cutting/Chip Removal Dust mask
General Handling Protective goggles
Melting/Welding Nitrile gloves + welding apron

First Aid:

Route of Exposure Action to Be Taken
Inhalation Move to fresh air. If breathing difficulty persists, administer oxygen
Ingestion Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact Wash with soap and plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing

Waste Management:

  • Dispose through licensed recycling facilities for scrap metals

  • Do not dispose into soil or water

11. PACKAGING INFORMATION

Type Weight Material
Ingot (Standard) 5 – 10 kg Iron-bound plastic-coated styrofoam tray
Granules 25 kg kraft bag + PE inner bag UN certified nylon bag
Special Order Custom (100 kg – 1000 kg) Wooden crates, palletized

12. QUALITY CONTROL AND TESTING

Test Method Acceptance Criteria
Chemical Analysis ICP-OES Co: 9.0 – 11.0% (EN 1981 standard: 9-11% Co)
Impurity Analysis ICP-OES Fe ≤0.1%; Ni ≤0.2%; P ≤0.05%; Pb ≤0.05%; Sn ≤0.05%; Total ≤0.3%
Oxygen Content Melt analyzer < 200 ppm
Grain Size Microscope (ASTM E112) Average grain diameter < 50 µm
Hardness Brinell HB 2.5/62.5 80 – 110 HB
Density Archimedes principle 8.85 – 8.95 g/cm³

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Component CAS No. RTECS No. UN No. (Metal Powder)
Cobalt (metal) 7440-48-4 GF8750000 3089 (Cobalt powder, flammable solid, Hazard Class 4.1)
Copper (metal) 7440-50-8 GL5325000 -

Note: CuCo10 alloy does not have its own EC number. The regulatory information for its components is provided above.

14. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property Value
Product Name Cobalt-Copper Master Alloy
Alloy Code CuCo10, 10Co
CAS Number 12506-85-3
Chemical Formula CoCu
Molecular Weight ~122.48 g/mol
Nominal Composition 10% Co, 90% Cu
Liquidus Temperature 1480 °C
Solidus Temperature 1460 °C
Melting Range 20 °C (very narrow)
Density ~8.9 g/cm³
Form Ingot / Granules / Mini chips
Main Uses High-strength Cu alloys, welding electrodes, electrical contacts, industrial applications
Key Benefits High homogeneity, narrow melting range, beryllium-free, good electrical conductivity
Standard EN 1981:2003

15. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

  1. Cobalt Content: Nominal composition is 10% Co. Final alloy cobalt content typically 0.5-5% depending on application.

  2. Narrow Melting Range: The 20°C melting range ensures rapid dissolution and homogeneous distribution.

  3. Beryllium-Free Alternative: Provides high strength and wear resistance without toxicity concerns.

  4. Oxidation Prevention: Store in dry conditions to prevent surface oxidation.

  5. High Temperature Resistance: Excellent softening resistance at elevated temperatures.

  6. Safety: Cobalt powder is flammable. Avoid dust formation when processing.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated area (5-40°C)

  • Keep away from acids, salts, and strong oxidizers

  • No shelf life limitation under proper conditions

Handling:

  • Use protective goggles, gloves, and dust mask when processing

  • Use appropriate lifting equipment for pallets

Melting:

  • Add 2-10% CuCo10 to the melt

  • Maintain temperature 1480-1550°C

  • Stir thoroughly for homogeneity

  • Expected cobalt recovery >95%

Waste Management:

  • Dispose through licensed recycling facilities

  • Do not discharge into water bodies

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The technical data in this document are typical values and may vary slightly between production batches. Pre-testing for specific applications is recommended. This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, 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.

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