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Aluminum-Bismuth Master Alloy, AlBi, 7429-90-5, 7440-69-9

Aluminum-Bismuth Master Alloy, AlBi, 7429-90-5, 7440-69-9

ALUMINUM-BISMUTH (AlBi) MASTER ALLOY TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (TDS)

Product Name: AlBi (Aluminum-Bismuth Master Alloy)
Alloy System: Al-Bi binary alloy system
Primary Use: Enhances machinability in aluminum alloys, provides low-friction properties, density adjustment in special applications

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Description
Product Name Aluminum-Bismuth Master Alloy (AlBi)
Alloy System Al-Bi binary alloy
Alloy Type Master alloy, additive alloy
Main Components Aluminum (Al), Bismuth (Bi)
Form Rod, ingot, or granule
Color Silver-gray
Primary Application Machinability enhancing additive for aluminum alloys

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION:

Aluminum-Bismuth (AlBi) master alloy is a pre-alloy (master alloy) containing controlled amounts of bismuth within an aluminum matrix. Master alloys are concentrated alloys used to add specific elements to aluminum alloys in a controlled and homogeneous manner.

AlBi master alloy is used to add the element bismuth to aluminum-based alloys. Bismuth is added as a component to improve machinability (chip-breaking capability), provide low-friction properties, and adjust density in certain specialty applications. Bismuth functions as a chip breaker in aluminum alloys, promoting the formation of shorter, more brittle chips during machining operations, thereby increasing machining efficiency and improving surface quality.

This master alloy is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form and can be produced with bismuth contents ranging from 0.5% to 5% according to customer requirements. AlBi master alloy provides a reliable and homogeneous source for adding bismuth to the final alloy in aluminum foundries and alloy manufacturing facilities.

SECTION 2: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Element Content (wt%) Explanation
Aluminum (Al) Balance (~95.0 – 99.5) Matrix main element
Bismuth (Bi) 0.5 – 5.0 Active additive element; machinability enhancer
Other Impurities ≤ 0.3 Iron, silicon, etc.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION EXPLANATION:

The chemical composition of AlBi master alloy is designed to contain controlled amounts of bismuth ranging from 0.5% to 5.0% within an aluminum matrix. The bismuth content can be customized according to customer requirements and final application needs. As bismuth percentage increases, the alloy's machinability properties and density increase, but a slight decrease in ductility may be observed. Impurity levels are strictly controlled to ensure alloy quality.

SECTION 3: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value / Range Unit Explanation
Form Rod, ingot, or granule - According to customer request
Color Silver-gray - Characteristic metallic appearance
Density ~9.8 g/cm³ Depends on bismuth content
Melting Point 600 – 650 °C Depends on Al-Bi alloy composition
Electrical Conductivity Low %IACS Bismuth reduces conductivity
Thermal Conductivity Medium W/m·K  

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:

AlBi master alloy is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form. It has a silver-gray color with a characteristic metallic appearance. Density varies depending on bismuth content; while pure aluminum has a density of ~2.70 g/cm³, bismuth has a density of ~9.78 g/cm³. As bismuth content increases, the alloy's density increases, typically reaching ~9.8 g/cm³ levels.

The melting point ranges from 600-650°C depending on the exact alloy composition. Bismuth addition lowers the melting point of aluminum (~660°C) slightly. Electrical conductivity decreases with bismuth addition; therefore, AlBi master alloys have limited use in applications requiring high conductivity.

SECTION 4: MACHINABILITY AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

Property Evaluation Explanation
Machinability Improvement High Bismuth functions as a chip breaker
Chip Brittleness Increased Forms shorter, more brittle chips
Coefficient of Friction Reduced Provides low-friction properties
Density Control Possible Density adjustment for special applications
Castability Good Good fluidity in molten state
Homogeneous Distribution Good Master alloy ensures homogeneous addition

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:

The most important functional property of AlBi master alloy is its ability to enhance machinability (chip-breaking capability) in aluminum alloys. Bismuth acts as an effective chip breaker in aluminum alloys. During machining operations (turning, milling, drilling, etc.), alloys containing bismuth produce shorter and more brittle chips. This prevents chips from wrapping around cutting tools, increases machining efficiency, and improves surface quality.

Bismuth also imparts low-friction properties to the alloy. This characteristic is advantageous for bearing materials and sliding applications. Additionally, bismuth's high density (~9.78 g/cm³) can be utilized to adjust the alloy's overall density, which is valuable for special applications requiring weight balance or specific density.

SECTION 5: TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Application Description
Machinability Enhancing Additive Automotive parts, precision mechanical components, aluminum parts requiring machining
Low-Friction Applications Bearing materials, sliding surfaces, automotive engine components
Density Control Special casting applications, components requiring weight balance
Electrical and Electronic Applications Special alloy connectors, soldering applications
Defense Industry Light armored vehicles, special alloy components

APPLICATION AREAS EXPLANATION:

Machinability Enhancing Additive: AlBi master alloy is used in the production of automotive parts, precision mechanical components, and aluminum parts requiring extensive machining. Bismuth's chip-breaking property increases machining efficiency, extends tool life, and improves surface quality.

Low-Friction Applications: Aluminum alloys containing bismuth can be used in bearing materials, sliding surfaces, and automotive engine components due to their low-friction properties.

Density Control: The high density of bismuth can be used to adjust the overall density of the alloy. This is advantageous for special applications requiring weight balance or specific density.

SECTION 6: STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Store in dry and cool environment
Storage Temperature Ambient (room temperature)
Protection Protect from moisture; keep away from direct sunlight
Shelf Life Unlimited (under proper storage)
Packaging Rods/ingots: Wooden pallets or metal crates; Granules: Closed containers
Transport According to standard industrial transport rules

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT EXPLANATION:

AlBi master alloy should be stored in a dry and cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Under proper storage conditions, shelf life is unlimited. Packaging varies depending on product form: rod and ingot forms are shipped on wooden pallets or in metal crates, while granule form is shipped in closed containers (drums or bags). During transport, care should be taken to prevent the product from contacting moisture and to protect it from mechanical damage.

SECTION 7: SAFETY INFORMATION

Parameter Information
GHS Classification Not hazardous under normal use
Health Risks Dust form may cause respiratory tract irritation
Melting Risks Bismuth vapors may form during melting; adequate ventilation required
PPE Requirements Gloves, safety goggles, appropriate respiratory protection
Dust Explosion Risk Aluminum dust can be explosive
Storage Dry and cool environment

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

  • Inhalation: Avoid inhalation of dust. Ensure adequate ventilation during melting operations.

  • Skin Contact: Not hazardous under normal use; however, dust form may cause skin irritation.

  • Eye Contact: In case of dust contact, rinse with plenty of water.

  • Melting: Bismuth vapors may form during melting operations. Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hood.

  • PPE Recommendations: Wear protective gloves (heat-resistant), safety goggles (for dust and splashes), and dust mask or respiratory protection if necessary.

  • Dust Explosion: Aluminum dust can be explosive; avoid dust formation during processing.

SECTION 8: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES (EFFECT IN FINAL ALLOY)

The typical mechanical properties of Al-Bi alloys obtained by adding AlBi master alloy to the final alloy are given below. These values vary depending on bismuth content and other alloy components.

Property Value Range Explanation
Tensile Strength 100 – 250 MPa Depends on bismuth content and heat treatment
Yield Strength 50 – 150 MPa  
Elongation (%) 2 – 10 Ductility decreases with increasing bismuth content
Hardness (HB) 30 – 60  

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:

When AlBi master alloy is added to the final alloy, bismuth content causes changes in mechanical properties. Bismuth addition slightly reduces tensile strength and hardness while decreasing ductility (elongation). However, this change in properties is balanced by significant improvement in machinability. As bismuth content increases, the alloy becomes more brittle and chip brittleness increases. Mechanical properties may vary depending on the exact alloy composition and applied heat treatment.

SECTION 9: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL NOTES

SUMMARY:

Aluminum-Bismuth (AlBi) master alloy is a pre-alloy containing controlled amounts of bismuth (0.5-5.0%) within an aluminum matrix. It is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form. Density is approximately 9.8 g/cm³ depending on bismuth content, and melting point ranges from 600-650°C.

AlBi master alloy is used to add bismuth to aluminum alloys. Bismuth enhances machinability (chip-breaking capability) in aluminum alloys, provides low-friction properties, and enables density adjustment for special applications. Bismuth functions as a chip breaker, increasing machining efficiency.

Store in dry and cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Not hazardous under normal use; however, avoid inhalation of dust and ensure adequate ventilation during melting operations. Personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) is recommended.

Basic Properties:

Property Value
Product Name Aluminum-Bismuth Master Alloy (AlBi)
Alloy Type Master alloy, additive alloy
Form Rod, ingot, granule
Color Silver-gray
Density ~9.8 g/cm³ (depending on Bi content)
Melting Point 600 – 650°C
Bi Content 0.5 – 5.0% (customizable)

Main Application Areas:

Industry Applications
Automotive Machinability enhancing additive, engine components
Precision Mechanics Aluminum parts requiring machining
Bearings and Sliding Low-friction applications
Casting Special applications requiring density control
Electrical/Electronics Special alloy connectors

Key Safety Points:

  • NOT HAZARDOUS: Not hazardous under normal use

  • DUST RISK: Avoid inhalation of dust

  • MELTING RISK: Bismuth vapors may form during melting; ensure adequate ventilation

  • PPE: Gloves, safety goggles, respiratory protection if necessary

  • STORAGE: Store in dry, cool environment away from direct sunlight

CRITICAL NOTES:

  1. Machinability Enhancer: AlBi master alloy is used to add bismuth to aluminum alloys. Bismuth is an effective chip breaker; it promotes the formation of shorter, more brittle chips during machining, increasing efficiency, extending tool life, and improving surface quality.

  2. Adjustable Bismuth Content: AlBi master alloy can be produced with bismuth contents ranging from 0.5% to 5% according to customer requirements. As bismuth percentage increases, machinability and density increase, but a slight decrease in ductility may be observed.

  3. Density Control: Bismuth's high density (~9.78 g/cm³) can be utilized to adjust the alloy's overall density. This property is advantageous for special applications requiring weight balance or specific density.

  4. Low-Friction Properties: Aluminum alloys containing bismuth are suitable for bearing materials and sliding applications due to their low-friction properties.

  5. Melting Safety: Bismuth vapors may form during melting of AlBi master alloy. Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hood during melting operations and ensure appropriate respiratory protection.

  6. Aluminum Dust Safety: Aluminum dust generated during processing of AlBi alloy can be explosive. Avoid dust formation during processing and take appropriate dust control measures.

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 AlBi master alloy.

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