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Send EmailAlZr Alloy, Aluminum-Zirconium Alloy, AlZr, 7429-90-5, 7440-67-7
Product Name: AlZr Alloy
Chemical Composition: Aluminum (Al) + Zirconium (Zr)
Alloy System: Al-Zr binary alloy system
Primary Use: Electrical conductors, high-temperature strength applications, power transmission lines
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminum-Zirconium Alloy (AlZr) |
| Alloy System | Al-Zr binary alloy |
| Alloy Type | Light alloy, thermally stable conductor alloy |
| Main Components | Aluminum (Al), Zirconium (Zr) |
| Microstructure | Al matrix with Zr-containing dispersoids |
| Primary Application | Electrical conductors, power transmission lines, high-temperature components |
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION:
Aluminum-Zirconium (AlZr) alloy is a light metal alloy obtained by adding controlled amounts of zirconium to an aluminum matrix. This alloy maintains the high electrical conductivity and low density properties of aluminum while gaining high-temperature strength and thermal stability through zirconium addition.
Zirconium has limited solubility in aluminum and precipitates from supersaturated solid solution to form the Al₃Zr (L1₂ structure) phase. These finely distributed dispersoids effectively inhibit grain boundary motion, limiting grain growth and maintaining mechanical properties at high temperatures. This mechanism makes AlZr alloys more suitable for high-temperature applications compared to conventional conductor aluminum alloys.
AlZr alloys have been developed for use in power transmission lines (overhead line conductors), transformer coils, and electrical equipment requiring high-temperature strength. They also find application in automotive and aerospace industries for lightweight structural components requiring thermal stability.
| Element | Content (wt%) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 99.5 | Matrix main element |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 0.05 – 0.25 | Alloying element; dispersoid former |
| Other Impurities | ≤ 0.25 | Iron, silicon, etc. |
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION EXPLANATION:
The chemical composition of AlZr alloy is designed to contain high-purity aluminum (≥99.5%) and controlled amounts of zirconium (0.05-0.25%). The zirconium addition is kept at a level that maintains aluminum's high electrical conductivity while enhancing high-temperature strength and thermal stability. Zirconium content at these levels ensures fine and homogeneous distribution of Al₃Zr dispersoids, inhibiting grain growth and contributing to the preservation of mechanical properties.
| Property | Value | Unit | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ~2.70 | g/cm³ | Comparable to pure aluminum |
| Melting Point | ~660 | °C | Close to pure aluminum |
| Electrical Conductivity | 58 – 61 | %IACS | High conductivity maintained |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23.6 | µm/m·K | At 20-100°C range |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~220 | W/m·K | At room temperature |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~0.028 | μΩ·m | At 20°C |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
AlZr alloy maintains lightweight properties with a density of ~2.70 g/cm³, close to pure aluminum. Melting point is ~660°C, near the melting temperature of aluminum. Electrical conductivity of 58-61% IACS is comparable to many conductor aluminum alloys, with the zirconium addition having limited negative impact on conductivity. Thermal expansion coefficient is 23.6 µm/m·K, reflecting aluminum's characteristic thermal behavior. These physical properties make AlZr alloy ideal for applications requiring both electrical conductivity and thermal stability.
| Property | Value Range | Unit | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 150 – 250 | MPa | Depends on heat treatment condition |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | 80 – 150 | MPa | 0.2% permanent strain limit |
| Elongation (A) | 10 – 20 | % | Fracture elongation |
| Hardness (HB) | 35 – 50 | HB | Brinell hardness |
| Elastic Modulus | ~70 | GPa | E-modulus |
| High Temperature Strength | Maintained up to 200°C | °C | Due to Zr dispersoids |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
The mechanical properties of AlZr alloy may vary depending on the production method and heat treatment condition. Tensile strength ranges from 150-250 MPa, yield strength from 80-150 MPa, with elongation of 10-20%. Hardness is in the range of 35-50 HB. These mechanical properties provide higher strength compared to pure aluminum while maintaining sufficient ductility for forming and processing operations.
The most important mechanical advantage of AlZr alloy is the retention of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Finely distributed Al₃Zr dispersoids inhibit grain boundary motion, limiting grain growth and minimizing the reduction in tensile and yield strength at temperatures up to 200°C. This property makes the alloy particularly suitable for applications operating under high temperature and thermal loads, such as power transmission lines.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Matrix Structure | Aluminum solid solution |
| Dispersoid Phase | Al₃Zr (L1₂ structure) |
| Dispersoid Size | Fine distribution (nanometer scale) |
| Grain Growth Resistance | Zr dispersoids pin grain boundaries |
| High Temperature Strength | Mechanical properties maintained up to 200°C |
| Thermal Stability Mechanism | Al₃Zr dispersoids inhibit grain growth |
MICROSTRUCTURE AND THERMAL STABILITY EXPLANATION:
The microstructure of AlZr alloy consists of finely distributed Al₃Zr (L1₂ structure) dispersoids within an aluminum solid solution matrix. Since zirconium has limited solubility in aluminum, this dispersoid phase forms through precipitation from supersaturated solid solution. The fine and homogeneously distributed Al₃Zr particles physically inhibit grain boundary motion, effectively limiting grain growth.
This mechanism gives AlZr alloy superior thermal stability compared to conventional aluminum conductor alloys. The grain structure is maintained at elevated temperatures (up to 200°C), and the reduction in mechanical properties is minimized. This property is a critical advantage for long-term performance and reliability, especially in power transmission lines.
| Property | Evaluation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Weldability | Good | Weldable by TIG, MIG, and resistance welding |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | Similar to or better than pure aluminum |
| Thermal Stability | High | Zr addition prevents grain growth |
| Machinability | Good | Similar to standard aluminum alloys |
| Formability | Good | Suitable for cold and hot forming |
| Castability | Medium | Can be produced by casting methods |
| Recyclability | High | Suitable for scrap recycling |
WORKABILITY AND PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
Weldability: AlZr alloy exhibits good weldability with TIG, MIG, and resistance welding methods. The distribution of Al₃Zr dispersoids in the weld zone contributes to maintaining mechanical properties.
Corrosion Resistance: AlZr alloy shows high corrosion resistance, performing similar to or better than pure aluminum. The natural oxide layer of aluminum can become more stable with zirconium addition.
Thermal Stability: Zirconium addition enhances thermal stability by preventing grain growth at elevated temperatures. This property allows the alloy to maintain mechanical properties up to 200°C.
Machinability: AlZr alloy exhibits machining characteristics similar to standard aluminum alloys. It can be processed by milling, turning, drilling, and other machining methods.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Temperature Electrical Conductors | Power transmission lines, transformer coils |
| Power Transmission Lines | Overhead line conductors (AAC, ACSR-like) |
| Components Requiring Thermal Stability | Electrical equipment operating at high temperatures |
| Automotive Electrical Components | Alternators, starter motor components |
| Aerospace and Defense | Lightweight structural components requiring thermal stability |
| Heat Exchangers | Heat transfer applications requiring high-temperature strength |
APPLICATION AREAS EXPLANATION:
AlZr alloy is preferred in applications where high electrical conductivity and thermal stability are required together:
High-Temperature Electrical Conductors: AlZr alloy has been developed for use in power transmission lines and transformer coils. Maintaining mechanical properties at high temperatures provides long-term reliability and performance.
Power Transmission Lines: In overhead line conductors, AlZr alloy offers better high-temperature strength compared to conventional aluminum conductors. This translates to higher current-carrying capacity and longer service life.
Components Requiring Thermal Stability: AlZr is suitable for electrical equipment components, connectors, and structural parts operating at elevated temperatures.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in dry and clean environment |
| Storage Temperature | Ambient (room temperature) |
| Protection | Protect from moisture, acids, and bases |
| Dust Explosion Risk | Aluminum dust can be explosive |
| Ventilation | Provide adequate ventilation during processing |
| Protective Equipment | Dust mask, safety goggles, work gloves |
| Handling Notes | Avoid dust formation during processing |
STORAGE AND SAFETY EXPLANATION:
Storage: AlZr alloy should be stored in a dry and clean environment, protected from moisture and chemicals. Products should be kept in original packaging or appropriate containers.
Dust Explosion Risk: Fine metal dust generated during processing of aluminum-containing materials can form explosive mixtures in air under certain conditions. Adequate ventilation should be provided and dust prevention measures should be taken during processing.
Protective Equipment: During machining, grinding, or cutting of AlZr alloy, dust mask (particle filter), safety goggles, and work gloves should be used.
| Property | AlZr Alloy | Pure Al (1050) | Al-Mg-Si (6101) | Al-Mg (5005) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | ~2.70 | 2.70 | 2.70 | 2.70 |
| Electrical Conductivity (%IACS) | 58-61 | 61-62 | 55-57 | 50-53 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 150-250 | 60-110 | 150-250 | 120-180 |
| High Temperature Strength | High | Low | Medium | Low-Medium |
| Thermal Stability | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | High | High | High |
| Weldability | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Cost | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
COMPARATIVE EXPLANATION:
When compared with other aluminum conductor alloys, AlZr alloy maintains high electrical conductivity while providing superior thermal stability. Compared to pure aluminum (1050), it achieves significant strength increase (60-110 MPa to 150-250 MPa) with a small decrease in conductivity (61-62% to 58-61%). While having similar strength levels to Al-Mg-Si (6101) alloy, AlZr shows higher conductivity and better high-temperature strength. These properties make AlZr a specialized option for power transmission lines and high-temperature applications.
SUMMARY:
Aluminum-Zirconium (AlZr) alloy is a light metal alloy obtained by adding controlled amounts (0.05-0.25%) of zirconium to an aluminum matrix. It has a density of ~2.70 g/cm³, melting point of ~660°C, and electrical conductivity of 58-61% IACS. Zirconium addition provides high-temperature strength and thermal stability through the formation of Al₃Zr dispersoids that inhibit grain growth.
Mechanical properties: tensile strength 150-250 MPa, yield strength 80-150 MPa, elongation 10-20%, hardness 35-50 HB. Mechanical properties are maintained at elevated temperatures (up to 200°C). Weldability is good; corrosion resistance is high.
Main application areas: high-temperature electrical conductors, power transmission lines, components requiring thermal stability, automotive and aerospace applications. Store in dry and clean environments; use adequate ventilation and protective equipment during processing due to aluminum dust explosion risk.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminum-Zirconium Alloy (AlZr) |
| Alloy Type | Light alloy, thermally stable conductor alloy |
| Density | ~2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~660°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 58-61% IACS |
| Tensile Strength | 150-250 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 80-150 MPa |
| Thermal Stability | Up to 200°C |
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Power Transmission | High-temperature conductors, power transmission lines |
| Electrical Equipment | Transformer coils, connectors |
| Automotive | Alternators, starter motor components |
| Aerospace | Lightweight structural components requiring thermal stability |
| Heat Transfer | High-temperature heat exchangers |
STORAGE: Store in dry and clean environment
DUST EXPLOSION: Aluminum dust can be explosive; provide adequate ventilation during processing
PPE: Dust mask, safety goggles, work gloves should be used
PROCESSING: Avoid dust formation; prefer closed systems
High Thermal Stability: The most important advantage of AlZr alloy is the inhibition of grain growth and preservation of mechanical properties at high temperatures through Al₃Zr dispersoids formed by zirconium. This property makes the alloy ideal for power transmission lines and high-temperature applications.
Electrical Conductivity: Zirconium addition maintains aluminum's high electrical conductivity at 58-61% IACS, making AlZr a practical and efficient option for conductor applications.
Low Zr Addition: The low zirconium addition (0.05-0.25%) causes limited reduction in conductivity while providing significant improvement in thermal stability.
Lightweight: With density of ~2.70 g/cm³, AlZr maintains lightweight properties and provides advantages in weight-sensitive applications.
Aluminum Dust Safety: Aluminum dust generated during processing of AlZr alloy can be explosive. Adequate ventilation and dust control measures must be taken.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The information provided is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are obligated to test the product in their own processes and applications. All occupational health and safety rules must be observed when working with AlZr alloy.