We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailAlEr Alloy, Aluminum-Erbium Alloy, AlEr, 7429-90-5, 7440-52-0
Product Name: AlEr Alloy
Chemical Composition: Aluminum (Al) + Erbium (Er)
Alloy System: Al-Er binary alloy system
Primary Use: Aerospace, automotive, high-strength and lightweight structures, advanced weldability
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminum-Erbium Alloy (AlEr) |
| Alloy System | Al-Er binary alloy |
| Alloy Type | High-strength lightweight alloy, thermally stable alloy |
| Main Components | Aluminum (Al), Erbium (Er) |
| Microstructure | Al matrix with finely dispersed Al₃Er dispersoids |
| Primary Application | Aerospace structural parts, automotive components, weldable high-strength structures |
| CAS Numbers | Aluminum (Al): 7429-90-5, Erbium (Er): 7440-52-0 |
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION:
Aluminum-Erbium (AlEr) alloy is a high-strength, lightweight metal alloy obtained by adding controlled amounts of erbium to an aluminum matrix. Erbium is an effective strengthening element in aluminum alloys, forming finely dispersed Al₃Er (L1₂ structure) particles that impart superior mechanical properties and excellent weldability to the alloy.
AlEr alloys offer significantly higher strength compared to conventional aluminum alloys, along with good thermal stability. Erbium addition substantially refines the grain structure, stabilizes grain boundaries, and maintains mechanical properties at elevated temperatures (up to 250°C). Erbium exhibits similar strengthening mechanisms to scandium while offering lower cost and better availability advantages.
Erbium has limited solubility in aluminum and precipitates from supersaturated solid solution to form the Al₃Er (L1₂ structure) phase. These finely distributed dispersoids effectively inhibit grain boundary motion, limiting grain growth and maintaining mechanical properties at high temperatures. Additionally, Al₃Er particles impede dislocation motion, providing high strength at room temperature. This dual-action strengthening mechanism and excellent weldability make AlEr alloys ideal for aerospace, automotive, and welded structure applications.
| Element | Content (wt%) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 99.0 | Matrix main element |
| Erbium (Er) | 0.1 – 0.5 | Alloying element; Al₃Er dispersoid former |
| Other Impurities | ≤ 0.5 | Iron, silicon, etc. |
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION EXPLANATION:
The chemical composition of AlEr alloy is designed to contain high-purity aluminum (≥99.0%) and controlled amounts of erbium (0.1-0.5%). The erbium addition aims to significantly increase mechanical strength and improve weldability while maintaining aluminum's lightweight properties. Erbium content at these levels ensures fine and homogeneous distribution of Al₃Er dispersoids, refining the grain structure, inhibiting grain growth, and providing superior mechanical properties and excellent weldability.
| Property | Value | Unit | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ~2.70 | g/cm³ | Comparable to pure aluminum |
| Melting Point | ~660 | °C | Close to pure aluminum |
| Electrical Conductivity | 55 – 60 | %IACS | High conductivity maintained |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23.6 | µm/m·K | At 20-100°C range |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~200 | W/m·K | At room temperature |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~0.030 | μΩ·m | At 20°C |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
AlEr alloy maintains lightweight properties with a density of ~2.70 g/cm³, comparable to pure aluminum. This low density provides weight savings in aerospace and automotive applications, directly contributing to fuel efficiency and performance.
Melting point is ~660°C, near the melting temperature of aluminum. Electrical conductivity of 55-60% IACS shows that erbium addition has limited impact on conductivity. Thermal expansion coefficient is 23.6 µm/m·K, reflecting aluminum's characteristic thermal behavior. Thermal conductivity of ~200 W/m·K is good.
| Property | Value Range | Unit | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 350 – 550 | MPa | Depends on heat treatment condition |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | 200 – 350 | MPa | 0.2% permanent strain limit |
| Elongation (A) | 8 – 15 | % | Fracture elongation |
| Hardness (HB) | 70 – 110 | HB | Brinell hardness |
| Elastic Modulus | ~70 | GPa | E-modulus |
| High Temperature Strength | Maintained up to 250°C | °C | Due to Al₃Er dispersoids |
| Fatigue Strength | Good | - | Due to fine grain structure |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
The mechanical properties of AlEr alloy are at high levels among aluminum alloys. Tensile strength ranges from 350-550 MPa, yield strength from 200-350 MPa, with elongation of 8-15%. Hardness is in the range of 70-110 HB. These mechanical properties provide significantly higher strength compared to many conventional aluminum alloys while maintaining sufficient ductility for forming and processing operations.
One of the important mechanical advantages of AlEr alloy is the retention of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Finely distributed Al₃Er dispersoids inhibit grain boundary motion, limiting grain growth and minimizing the reduction in tensile and yield strength at temperatures up to 250°C. This property makes the alloy suitable for aerospace and automotive applications operating under high temperature and thermal loads.
Additionally, the fine grain structure provides good fatigue strength, which is an important advantage for structural parts subjected to cyclic loading.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Matrix Structure | Aluminum solid solution |
| Dispersoid Phase | Al₃Er (L1₂ structure) |
| Dispersoid Size | Very fine distribution (nanometer scale) |
| Grain Size | Significantly refined by erbium |
| Grain Growth Resistance | Al₃Er dispersoids pin grain boundaries |
| High Temperature Strength | Mechanical properties maintained up to 250°C |
| Thermal Stability Mechanism | Al₃Er dispersoids inhibit grain growth and dislocation motion |
MICROSTRUCTURE AND THERMAL STABILITY EXPLANATION:
The microstructure of AlEr alloy consists of very finely distributed Al₃Er (L1₂ structure) dispersoids within an aluminum solid solution matrix. Since erbium has limited solubility in aluminum, this dispersoid phase forms through precipitation from supersaturated solid solution. Nanoscale Al₃Er particles physically inhibit grain boundary motion, effectively limiting grain growth, while also blocking dislocation motion to provide strengthening.
This dual-action mechanism gives AlEr alloy superior thermal stability and room temperature strength compared to conventional aluminum alloys. Erbium addition also significantly refines the grain structure, creating a fine-grained microstructure. The grain structure is maintained at elevated temperatures (up to 250°C), and the reduction in mechanical properties is minimized. This property is a critical advantage for long-term performance and reliability, especially in aerospace applications.
| Property | Evaluation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent | Erbium addition provides superior weldability |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | Similar to or better than pure aluminum |
| Thermal Stability | High | Al₃Er dispersoids prevent 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 |
| Heat Treatment Response | Good | Strength can be increased by aging |
| Recyclability | High | Suitable for scrap recycling |
WORKABILITY AND PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
Weldability: AlEr alloy exhibits excellent weldability due to erbium addition. Erbium prevents grain growth during welding, maintaining fine grain structure in the weld zone. This minimizes strength loss in welded joints and maintains structural integrity. Can be successfully welded by TIG, MIG, and resistance welding methods. Erbium performs similarly to scandium in this property while offering lower cost advantages.
Corrosion Resistance: AlEr alloy shows high corrosion resistance, performing similar to or better than pure aluminum. The natural oxide layer of aluminum can become more stable with erbium addition.
Thermal Stability: Erbium addition enhances thermal stability by preventing grain growth at elevated temperatures. This property allows the alloy to maintain mechanical properties up to 250°C, significantly exceeding conventional aluminum alloys (typically 150-200°C).
Heat Treatment Response: AlEr alloy responds well to aging heat treatment. Precipitation of Al₃Er dispersoids can significantly increase strength.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Structural Parts | Aircraft fuselages, wing structures, landing gear, satellite components |
| High-Performance Sports Equipment | Bicycle frames, golf clubs, tennis rackets, archery equipment |
| Automotive Components | Lightweight and durable structural parts, chassis components, engine parts |
| Weldable High-Strength Parts | Welded structures, pressure vessels, pipelines, ship structures |
| Defense Industry | Light armored vehicles, missile bodies, military equipment |
| Space Technologies | Satellite structures, rocket components, spacecraft parts |
| Marine Applications | Lightweight and corrosion-resistant marine structures |
APPLICATION AREAS EXPLANATION:
AlEr alloy is preferred in applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent weldability, and good thermal stability:
Aerospace Structural Parts: AlEr alloy is used in aircraft fuselages, wing structures, landing gear, and satellite components. The high strength-to-weight ratio improves fuel efficiency and extends range.
High-Performance Sports Equipment: Bicycle frames, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and archery equipment benefit from the combination of lightweight and durability provided by AlEr alloy.
Automotive Components: Used in lightweight and durable structural parts, chassis components, and engine parts, reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency.
Weldable High-Strength Parts: In welded structures, pressure vessels, pipelines, and ship structures, the excellent weldability provided by erbium maintains structural integrity.
| Property | AlEr Alloy | AlSc Alloy | 7075 (Al-Zn) | 6061 (Al-Mg-Si) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | ~2.70 | ~2.70 | 2.80 | 2.70 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 350-550 | 400-600 | 570-620 | 310-370 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 200-350 | 250-400 | 500-550 | 276-300 |
| Elongation (%) | 8-15 | 8-15 | 7-11 | 10-17 |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Poor | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | High | Medium | High |
| Thermal Stability (≤°C) | 250 | 300 | 120-150 | 150-200 |
| Cost | Low-Medium | High | Low-Medium | Low |
| Availability | Good | Limited | High | High |
COMPARATIVE EXPLANATION:
AlEr alloy offers similar strengthening mechanisms to AlSc alloy while providing the advantages of lower cost and better availability of erbium compared to scandium:
Comparison with AlSc: AlEr offers slightly lower tensile strength (350-550 MPa vs 400-600 MPa) and thermal stability (250°C vs 300°C) compared to AlSc. However, erbium's lower cost and better availability make AlEr a more economical alternative for industrial applications.
Comparison with 7075 (Al-Zn): AlEr offers much better weldability and corrosion resistance compared to 7075. Although 7075 has higher tensile strength (570-620 MPa), AlEr's excellent weldability is a significant advantage for welded structures.
Comparison with 6061 (Al-Mg-Si): AlEr offers significantly higher strength than 6061 (350-550 MPa vs 310-370 MPa) and better thermal stability.
These comparative advantages make AlEr alloy an attractive option for aerospace, automotive, and welded structure applications where a balance between weldability, strength, and cost is required.
| 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: AlEr 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 AlEr alloy, dust mask (particle filter), safety goggles, and work gloves should be used.
| Element | CAS Number |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 7429-90-5 |
| Erbium (Er) | 7440-52-0 |
CAS NUMBERS EXPLANATION:
The CAS numbers of the main components of AlEr alloy are listed above. The alloy itself does not have a single CAS number as it is a mixture of its components. Chemical composition may vary according to the alloy specification. For safety, storage, and regulatory information, the component CAS numbers should be referenced.
SUMMARY:
Aluminum-Erbium (AlEr) alloy is a high-strength, lightweight metal alloy obtained by adding controlled amounts (0.1-0.5%) of erbium to an aluminum matrix. It has a density of ~2.70 g/cm³, melting point of ~660°C, and electrical conductivity of 55-60% IACS. Erbium addition refines the grain structure, inhibits grain growth, and provides high-temperature strength and thermal stability through the formation of Al₃Er dispersoids.
Mechanical properties: tensile strength 350-550 MPa, yield strength 200-350 MPa, elongation 8-15%, hardness 70-110 HB. Mechanical properties are maintained at elevated temperatures (up to 250°C). Weldability is excellent; corrosion resistance is high.
Main application areas: aerospace structural parts, high-performance sports equipment, automotive components, weldable high-strength parts, defense industry, and space technologies. It offers similar performance to AlSc alloy while providing a more economical alternative due to erbium's lower cost and better availability. 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-Erbium Alloy (AlEr) |
| Alloy Type | High-strength lightweight alloy |
| Density | ~2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~660°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 55-60% IACS |
| Tensile Strength | 350-550 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 200-350 MPa |
| Thermal Stability | Up to 250°C |
| CAS Numbers | Al: 7429-90-5, Er: 7440-52-0 |
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Aircraft fuselages, wing structures, landing gear |
| Sports Equipment | Bicycle frames, golf clubs, tennis rackets |
| Automotive | Lightweight structural parts, chassis components |
| Welded Structures | Pressure vessels, pipelines, ship structures |
| Defense | Light armored vehicles, missile bodies |
| Space Technologies | Satellite structures, rocket components |
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
Excellent Weldability: AlEr alloy exhibits excellent weldability due to erbium addition. Erbium prevents grain growth during welding, maintaining fine grain structure in the weld zone. This makes AlEr significantly superior to other high-strength aluminum alloys (7075) for welded structures.
Economic Alternative to AlSc: AlEr exhibits similar strengthening mechanisms to AlSc alloy. Both elements form Al₃X (X=Sc, Er) dispersoids and provide fine-grained structure. Although AlEr offers slightly lower strength and thermal stability compared to AlSc, erbium's lower cost and better availability make AlEr a more economical alternative for industrial applications.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: AlEr alloy offers one of the high strength-to-weight ratios among aluminum alloys with tensile strength of 350-550 MPa. This property provides weight savings in aerospace and automotive applications, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
Fine-Grained Microstructure: Erbium addition significantly refines the alloy's grain structure. The fine-grained structure provides a combination of high strength and ductility, enhancing overall material performance.
Al₃Er Dispersoid Strengthening: Al₃Er particles provide dual-action strengthening by both pinning grain boundaries and blocking dislocation motion. This mechanism provides high strength at room temperature and good thermal stability at elevated temperatures.
Aluminum Dust Safety: Aluminum dust generated during processing of AlEr 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 AlEr alloy.