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Silicon Copper Master Alloy, 7440-50-8, 7440-21-3

Silicon Copper Master Alloy, 7440-50-8, 7440-21-3

SILICON COPPER MASTER ALLOY

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Information
Product Name Silicon Copper Master Alloy
CAS Numbers 7440-50-8 (Copper) / 7440-21-3 (Silicon)
HS Code 7403.29.00
Chemical Formula Cu + Si (eutectic/intermetallic phases)
Appearance Metallic ingot, silver-gray
Form Cast ingot
Physical State (20°C) Solid

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

2.1. Molecular Structure

Silicon Copper Master Alloy is an intermetallic compound of copper (Cu) and silicon (Si). The alloy consists of a copper-rich solid solution matrix with finely distributed silicon-rich intermetallic phases. The primary phases present are Cu solid solution and Cu-Si intermetallic compounds such as Cu₅Si, Cu₁₇Si₃, and Cu₃Si, depending on the composition.

Crystal Structure:

                    SiCu MASTER ALLOY
                               |
                 Cu-Si Intermetallic Phases
                               |
             +----------------+----------------+
             |                |                |
         Cu-rich Matrix    Cu₅Si/Cu₁₇Si₃    Cu₃Si Phase
         (FCC)             (Intermetallic)   (Intermetallic)

2.2. Phase Structure and Crystallographic Properties

Phase Chemical Formula Crystal System Description
Cu-rich Matrix Cu (Si) Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) Copper solid solution with dissolved silicon
Cu₅Si Phase Cu₅Si Tetragonal Primary silicon-rich intermetallic phase (in 11Si grade)
Cu₁₇Si₃ Phase Cu₁₇Si₃ Orthorhombic Secondary intermetallic phase
Cu₃Si Phase Cu₃Si Hexagonal Silicon-rich intermetallic phase (dominant in 15Si grade)

2.3. Crystal Structure Details

Parameter Cu-rich Matrix Cu₅Si Phase Cu₃Si Phase
Crystal System Cubic (FCC) Tetragonal Hexagonal
Lattice Parameter (a) 3.61 Å 5.83 Å 4.08 Å
Density 8.96 g/cm³ ~7.5 g/cm³ ~7.8 g/cm³
Hardness Low (ductile) High (brittle) High (brittle)

2.4. Microstructure

The microstructure consists of a copper-rich matrix with finely distributed silicon-rich intermetallic phases. The size and distribution of these phases depend on the cooling rate and silicon content. The intermetallic phases are generally hard and brittle, contributing to the overall hardness of the master alloy. The uniform distribution ensures consistent alloying during dilution.

3. PRODUCT GRADES AND TYPICAL PROPERTIES

Grade Liquidus (K) Solidus (K) Liquidus (°C) Solidus (°C)
11Si 1132 1075 I* 859 802
15Si 1083 1075 I* 810 802

Note: The "I" notation indicates incipient melting or a specific transformation point at the indicated temperature. These melting ranges ensure appropriate dissolution behavior in copper melts.

4. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Element 11Si Grade (% by weight) 15Si Grade (% by weight)
Silicon (Si) 11.0 ± 1.0% 15.0 ± 1.0%
Copper (Cu) Balance Balance

Maximum Impurity Levels (weight %):

Element Maximum (%)
Iron (Fe) < 0.10%
Aluminum (Al) < 0.05%
Manganese (Mn) < 0.05%
Zinc (Zn) < 0.05%
Other elements (each) < 0.03%

Note: Detailed analysis certificate is provided with each shipment.

5. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Property 11Si Grade 15Si Grade
Appearance Metallic ingot, silver-gray Metallic ingot, silver-gray
Density (20°C) ~8.3 g/cm³ ~8.3 g/cm³
Melting Range 802 – 859 °C 802 – 810 °C
Ingot Weight Approximately 10–25 kg Approximately 10–25 kg
Ingot Dimensions ~500–600 mm × 100–120 mm × 60–80 mm ~500–600 mm × 100–120 mm × 60–80 mm

6. METALLURGICAL PROPERTIES

Phase Structure:

  • Copper-rich solid solution matrix with silicon-rich intermetallic phases

  • Fine distribution of Cu-Si intermetallic compounds

  • Narrow melting range for rapid dissolution

Dissolution Rate:

  • Rapidly dissolves in liquid copper at typical melting temperatures

  • High silicon yield (>95%)

  • Minimum slag formation

Microstructure:

  • Fine and homogeneous distribution of silicon-rich phases within copper matrix

  • Consistent alloying during dilution

  • Uniform silicon distribution in the final alloy

7. APPLICATION AREAS

Application Description
Master Alloy for Copper-Based Systems Used as a master alloy for copper-based systems
Property Enhancement Improves strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance
Electrical Industry Used in production of copper alloys for electrical applications
Automotive Industry Used in production of components requiring high strength and corrosion resistance
Metallurgical Industry Used in production of bronzes, brasses, and other copper alloys
Specialty Alloys Used in production of specialty copper alloys with specific silicon content

8. ALLOYING MECHANISM

8.1. Effects of Silicon Addition

Effect Description Mechanism
Strength Increase Increases tensile strength and hardness Solid solution strengthening + precipitation hardening
Wear Resistance Improves wear resistance Formation of hard intermetallic phases
Corrosion Resistance Enhances corrosion resistance Formation of protective oxide layer
Castability Improves fluidity and castability Silicon reduces melting point and improves flow
Deoxidizing Effect Acts as deoxidizer Silicon reacts with oxygen to form SiO₂

8.2. Reaction Mechanism

During master alloy addition to molten copper:

Cu (liquid) + Cu-Si (master alloy) → Cu-Si (homogeneous melt)

The master alloy dissolves rapidly, releasing silicon which distributes uniformly throughout the melt. The intermetallic phases break down and silicon dissolves in the copper matrix or forms fine, dispersed intermetallic particles depending on the cooling rate and final composition.

9. PACKAGING

Parameter Information
Ingot Dimensions ~500–600 mm × 100–120 mm × 60–80 mm
Ingot Weight Approximately 10–25 kg per ingot (±5% tolerance)
Pallet Heat-treated wooden pallets
Wrapping Shrink-wrapped for protection during transport and storage
Special Packaging Available upon request (e.g., smaller ingots, custom sizes)

10. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Storage:

  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated area

  • Avoid contact with moisture and water to prevent oxidation

  • Ambient temperature storage is acceptable

  • No special temperature control required

  • No shelf life limitation under proper storage conditions

Handling:

  • Use appropriate lifting equipment for pallet weight

  • Ingots are not brittle; normal handling is acceptable

  • Avoid dropping to prevent damage to ingots or packaging

11. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Hazard Classification:

  • Not classified as hazardous under normal conditions of use

  • Solid ingot form presents minimal hazard

  • During melting, high temperatures and metal splash risks

Preventive Measures:

Aspect Recommendation
General Use protective gloves, safety shoes, and safety goggles
Melting Operations Use full face shield, heat-resistant protective clothing, and appropriate respiratory protection
Metal Splash Use protective clothing and face shield to prevent burns
Fume Control Use local exhaust ventilation during melting operations

First Aid:

Route of Exposure Action to Be Taken
Inhalation Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact Wash with plenty of soap and water. For molten metal burns, cool immediately with cold water and seek medical treatment
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water. Seek medical attention
Ingestion Seek immediate medical attention

Environment:

  • Do not discharge residues into water or soil

  • Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations

For complete safety information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided with the product.

12. QUALITY CONTROL

Test Method
Chemical Analysis Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) or X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to verify composition
Weight and Dimensions Checked against accepted tolerances
Visual Inspection Ensure no cracks, large shrinkage cavities, or surface contamination
Certificate of Analysis (COA) Provided with each shipment containing heat number, batch number, and chemical composition

13. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Regulation Status
EU REACH Contains Copper (Cu) and Silicon (Si); refer to SDS for registration details
RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU) Silicon is not restricted; final alloy must be compliant if used in EEE
Conflict Minerals Sourced only from verified conflict-free smelters
Transport Not classified as dangerous goods in solid ingot form

14. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property 11Si Grade 15Si Grade
Si Content 11.0 ± 1.0% 15.0 ± 1.0%
Melting Range 802 – 859 °C 802 – 810 °C
Density ~8.3 g/cm³ ~8.3 g/cm³
Form Ingot (~10–25 kg) Ingot (~10–25 kg)
Main Uses Master alloy for copper systems, property enhancement, electrical, automotive, metallurgical industries Master alloy for copper systems, property enhancement, electrical, automotive, metallurgical industries
Key Benefits Strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, castability, deoxidizing effect Strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, castability, deoxidizing effect

15. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

  1. Silicon Content: Two grades available: 11Si and 15Si. Choose appropriate grade for the desired silicon content in the final alloy.

  2. Melting Temperature: Melting ranges are grade-specific. Ensure appropriate temperature control during melting.

  3. Deoxidizing Effect: Silicon acts as a deoxidizer. Consider this when calculating oxygen levels in the melt.

  4. Corrosion Resistance: Silicon addition improves corrosion resistance. Suitable for applications requiring enhanced corrosion performance.

  5. Not Hazardous: Not classified as hazardous in solid form. However, melting operations require appropriate safety measures.

  6. Environmental Protection: Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated area

  • Avoid contact with moisture and water

  • No special temperature control required

  • No shelf life limitation under proper conditions

Handling:

  • Use protective gloves, safety shoes, and safety goggles

  • Use appropriate lifting equipment for pallets

Melting:

  • Preheat copper charge to appropriate temperature

  • Add master alloy to the melt

  • Gently stir for homogeneity

  • Expected silicon recovery >95%

Waste Management:

  • Do not discharge into sewers or water bodies

  • Dispose in accordance with local regulations

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

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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