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Send EmailAluminum-Calcium Master Alloy, AlCa, 7429-90-5, 7440-70-2
Product Name: AlCa (Aluminum-Calcium Master Alloy)
Alloy System: Al-Ca binary alloy system
Primary Use: Oxide control, hydrogen removal, and mechanical property improvement in aluminum alloys
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminum-Calcium Master Alloy (AlCa) |
| Alloy System | Al-Ca binary alloy |
| Alloy Type | Master alloy, refining additive alloy |
| Main Components | Aluminum (Al), Calcium (Ca) |
| Form | Rod, ingot, or granule |
| Color | Silver-gray |
| CAS Numbers | Aluminum (Al): 7429-90-5, Calcium (Ca): 7440-70-2 |
| Primary Application | Hydrogen removal agent, oxide control additive, refiner |
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION:
Aluminum-Calcium (AlCa) master alloy is a pre-alloy (master alloy) containing controlled amounts of calcium within an aluminum matrix. Master alloys are concentrated alloys used to add specific elements to aluminum alloys in a controlled and homogeneous manner.
AlCa master alloy is used to add the element calcium to aluminum-based alloys. Calcium is added to aluminum alloys for oxide control, hydrogen removal, and mechanical property improvement. Calcium reacts with dissolved hydrogen in aluminum melt to form hydrides, providing degassing. Additionally, it modifies aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) films, promoting the formation of thinner, less adherent oxide layers on the melt surface. This improves casting quality, liquid metal fluidity, and the final product's mechanical properties.
This master alloy is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form and can be produced with calcium contents ranging from 0.5% to 10% according to customer requirements. AlCa master alloy provides a reliable and homogeneous source for adding calcium to the final alloy and improving melt treatment operations in aluminum foundries and alloy manufacturing facilities.
| Element | CAS No | Content (wt%) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 7429-90-5 | Balance (~90.0 – 99.5) | Matrix main element |
| Calcium (Ca) | 7440-70-2 | 0.5 – 10.0 | Active additive element; refiner, hydrogen remover |
| Other Impurities | - | ≤ 0.3 | Iron, silicon, etc. |
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION EXPLANATION:
The chemical composition of AlCa master alloy is designed to contain controlled amounts of calcium ranging from 0.5% to 10.0% within an aluminum matrix. The calcium content can be customized according to customer requirements and final application needs. As calcium percentage increases, the alloy's refining and hydrogen removal effectiveness increases. Impurity levels are strictly controlled to ensure alloy quality. CAS numbers for Aluminum (7429-90-5) and Calcium (7440-70-2) are provided for chemical identification and regulatory compliance.
| Property | Value / Range | Unit | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Rod, ingot, or granule | - | According to customer request |
| Color | Silver-gray | - | Characteristic metallic appearance |
| Density | ~2.7 | g/cm³ | Based on aluminum matrix |
| Melting Point | 600 – 650 | °C | Depends on Al-Ca alloy composition |
| Melting Point (Ca) | ~842 | °C | Pure calcium reference |
| Reactivity | High (with moisture) | - | Calcium reacts with moisture |
| Electrical Conductivity | Low-Medium | %IACS |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
AlCa master alloy is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form. It has a silver-gray color with a characteristic metallic appearance. Density is approximately 2.7 g/cm³, based on the aluminum matrix. The melting point ranges from 600-650°C depending on the exact alloy composition. Calcium addition slightly lowers the melting point of aluminum (~660°C).
IMPORTANT: Calcium is highly reactive with moisture and water. AlCa master alloy can react with atmospheric moisture, releasing hydrogen gas. Therefore, keeping the product away from moisture is of critical importance.
| Property | Evaluation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen Removal | High | Removes dissolved hydrogen from melt |
| Oxide Control | High | Modifies aluminum oxide films |
| Refining Efficiency | High | Improves melt cleanliness, degassing |
| Fluidity Improvement | Good | Improves liquid metal fluidity |
| Grain Structure Control | Medium | Helps refine grain structure |
| Mechanical Property Improvement | Good | Improves casting quality and strength |
| Homogeneous Distribution | Good | Master alloy ensures homogeneous addition |
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
The most important functional property of AlCa master alloy is hydrogen removal and oxide control in aluminum melts. Calcium reacts with dissolved hydrogen (H₂) in aluminum melt to form CaH₂ (calcium hydride), allowing its removal as gas. This process significantly reduces porosity and gas hole formation in castings.
Calcium also modifies oxide films (Al₂O₃) formed on the aluminum melt surface, creating thinner, less adherent, and more fluid oxide layers. This results in better metal flow in the mold, better mold filling, and less oxide residue.
These functional properties make AlCa master alloy an essential additive, especially in aluminum foundries and applications requiring high-quality castings.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen Removal Additive | Reduces porosity and gas hole formation in aluminum castings |
| Oxide Control Additive | Controls aluminum oxide formation; improves surface quality |
| Refining Agent | Improves melt cleanliness and fluidity |
| Mechanical Property Improvement | Improves casting quality and strength |
| Grain Structure Control | Promotes fine-grained structure formation |
| Al-Mg Alloys | Oxide control in magnesium-containing alloys |
| Foundries | Refining additive in all aluminum casting processes |
APPLICATION AREAS EXPLANATION:
Hydrogen Removal Additive: AlCa master alloy is used to reduce porosity and gas hole formation in aluminum castings. Calcium removes dissolved hydrogen from the melt, enabling denser and higher-quality castings.
Oxide Control Additive: Modifies oxide films formed on the aluminum melt surface, creating thinner and less adherent oxide layers. This improves casting surface quality and liquid metal fluidity.
Refining Agent: Improves melt cleanliness and fluidity, providing better mold filling and less oxide residue. Particularly effective in oxide control in Al-Mg alloys.
Mechanical Property Improvement: Reduced gas holes and oxide residues improve mechanical properties of castings (tensile strength, elongation, fatigue strength).
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in dry and cool environment |
| Storage Temperature | Ambient (room temperature) |
| Protection | Protect from moisture; keep away from direct sunlight |
| Critical Warning | Do not contact with water and moisture (reactive nature) |
| Shelf Life | Unlimited (under proper storage) |
| Packaging | Rods/ingots: Wooden pallets or metal crates; Granules: Closed, moisture-proof containers |
| Transport | According to standard industrial transport rules; protect from moisture |
STORAGE AND TRANSPORT EXPLANATION:
AlCa master alloy should be stored in a dry and cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Since calcium is highly reactive with moisture, keeping the product away from water and moisture is critically important. 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, moisture-proof containers (drums or bags). During transport, special care should be taken to prevent the product from contacting moisture and to protect it from mechanical damage.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Not hazardous under normal use |
| Health Risks | Dust form may cause respiratory tract irritation |
| Reactivity | Calcium may react with moisture; may release hydrogen gas |
| Melting Risks | Ensure adequate ventilation during melting |
| PPE Requirements | Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask |
| Dust Explosion Risk | Aluminum dust can be explosive |
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.
Moisture Contact: Calcium may react with moisture, releasing hydrogen gas. Do not open or use the product in humid environments.
Melting: Calcium 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.
The typical mechanical properties of Al-Ca alloys obtained by adding AlCa master alloy to the final alloy are given below. These values vary depending on calcium content and other alloy components.
| Property | Value Range | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 80 – 200 MPa | Depends on calcium content and heat treatment |
| Yield Strength | 40 – 120 MPa | |
| Elongation (%) | 2 – 8 | Ductility decreases with increasing calcium content |
| Hardness (HB) | 25 – 50 |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:
When AlCa master alloy is added to the final alloy, calcium content causes changes in mechanical properties. Calcium addition slightly reduces tensile strength and hardness while decreasing ductility (elongation). However, this change in properties is balanced by significant improvements in melt cleanliness, oxide control, and gas removal. As calcium content increases, the alloy becomes more brittle. Mechanical properties may vary depending on the exact alloy composition and applied heat treatment. AlCa master alloy is primarily used for refining and oxide control; mechanical properties are of secondary importance.
SUMMARY:
Aluminum-Calcium (AlCa) master alloy is a pre-alloy containing controlled amounts of calcium (0.5-10.0%) within an aluminum matrix. It is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form. Density is approximately 2.7 g/cm³, and melting point ranges from 600-650°C.
AlCa master alloy is used to add calcium to aluminum alloys. Calcium provides hydrogen removal, oxide control, and refining in aluminum melts. This improves casting quality, liquid metal fluidity, and the final product's mechanical properties.
Store in dry and cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Since calcium is reactive with moisture, keeping the product away from water and moisture is critically important. Not hazardous under normal use; however, avoid inhalation of dust and ensure adequate ventilation during melting operations. Personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, dust mask) is recommended.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aluminum-Calcium Master Alloy (AlCa) |
| Alloy Type | Master alloy, refining additive alloy |
| Form | Rod, ingot, granule |
| Color | Silver-gray |
| Density | ~2.7 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 600 – 650°C |
| Ca Content | 0.5 – 10.0% (customizable) |
| CAS Numbers | Al: 7429-90-5, Ca: 7440-70-2 |
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Foundry | Hydrogen removal, oxide control additive, refiner |
| Aluminum Casting | Degassing, porosity reduction, surface quality improvement |
| Al-Mg Alloys | Oxide control and refining |
| Automotive | High-quality cast parts |
| Aerospace | Critical casting applications |
NOT HAZARDOUS: Not hazardous under normal use
MOISTURE RISK: Calcium may react with moisture; may release hydrogen gas
DUST RISK: Avoid inhalation of dust
MELTING RISK: Ensure adequate ventilation during melting
PPE: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask should be used
STORAGE: Store in dry, cool environment away from direct sunlight
Hydrogen Removal and Oxide Control: The most important function of AlCa master alloy is hydrogen removal and oxide control in aluminum melts. Calcium reacts with dissolved hydrogen to provide degassing and modifies aluminum oxide films for better fluidity and less oxide residue.
Moisture Reactivity: Calcium is highly reactive with moisture. AlCa master alloy can react with atmospheric moisture, releasing hydrogen gas. Therefore, keeping the product away from moisture is critically important. Do not open or use in humid environments.
Adjustable Calcium Content: AlCa master alloy can be produced with calcium contents ranging from 0.5% to 10% according to customer requirements. As calcium percentage increases, refining and hydrogen removal effectiveness increases.
Refining Agent Application: AlCa master alloy is widely used for oxide control and refining, especially in Al-Mg alloys. It improves melt cleanliness, enabling higher-quality castings.
Melting Safety: Calcium vapors may form during melting of AlCa master alloy. Use local exhaust ventilation or fume hood during melting operations and ensure appropriate respiratory protection.
Aluminum Dust Safety: Aluminum dust generated during processing of AlCa 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 AlCa master alloy.