Aluminum-Nickel Master Alloy, AlNi, 7429-90-5, 7440-02-0

ALUMINUM-NICKEL (AlNi) MASTER ALLOY TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (TDS)

Product Name: AlNi (Aluminum-Nickel Master Alloy)
Alloy System: Al-Ni binary alloy system
Primary Use: High-temperature strength improvement, corrosion resistance enhancement, mechanical property development in aluminum alloys

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND EXPLANATION:

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

AlNi master alloy is used to add the element nickel to aluminum-based alloys. Nickel is added to aluminum alloys to improve high-temperature strength, enhance corrosion resistance, and develop superior mechanical properties. Nickel forms intermetallic phases with aluminum (such as Al₃Ni, Al₃Ni₂) that contribute to high-temperature stability and strength retention at elevated temperatures.

In aluminum alloys, nickel is particularly effective in improving elevated temperature properties, making AlNi alloys suitable for applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors where components are exposed to high temperatures and aggressive environments. Nickel also improves the alloy's resistance to corrosion in various aggressive media. AlNi master alloys are essential for the production of specialty aluminum alloys requiring high-temperature performance and corrosion resistance.

This master alloy is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form and can be produced with nickel contents ranging from 1% to 30% according to customer requirements. AlNi master alloy provides a reliable and homogeneous source for adding nickel to the final alloy in aluminum foundries and alloy manufacturing facilities.

SECTION 2: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION EXPLANATION:

The chemical composition of AlNi master alloy is designed to contain controlled amounts of nickel ranging from 1% to 30% within an aluminum matrix. The nickel content can be customized according to customer requirements and final application needs. As nickel percentage increases, the alloy's high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance improve, but some decrease in ductility may be observed. Impurity levels are strictly controlled to ensure alloy quality. CAS numbers for Aluminum (7429-90-5) and Nickel (7440-02-0) are provided for chemical identification and regulatory compliance.

SECTION 3: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:

AlNi master alloy is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form. It has a silver-gray color with a characteristic metallic appearance. Density varies significantly depending on nickel content; while pure aluminum has a density of ~2.70 g/cm³, pure nickel has a density of ~8.91 g/cm³. As nickel content increases, the alloy's density increases from 2.7 to 8.9 g/cm³.

The melting point ranges from 600-650°C depending on the exact alloy composition. Nickel addition lowers the melting point of aluminum (~660°C) in certain compositions. Electrical conductivity decreases significantly with nickel addition; therefore, AlNi master alloys are not used in applications requiring high conductivity. Thermal conductivity is at a medium-low level. Al-Ni alloys are generally non-magnetic.

SECTION 4: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:

The most important functional property of AlNi master alloy is its ability to significantly improve high-temperature strength and thermal stability of aluminum alloys. Nickel forms intermetallic phases (such as Al₃Ni, Al₃Ni₂) with aluminum that are thermally stable and contribute to strength retention at elevated temperatures. This makes AlNi alloys suitable for high-temperature applications where conventional aluminum alloys would soften and lose strength.

Nickel also enhances corrosion resistance in various aggressive environments, including acidic and marine environments. The fine intermetallic particles provide dispersion strengthening, improving hardness and wear resistance. Nickel improves oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures, making AlNi alloys suitable for high-temperature service.

AlNi master alloy provides precise alloy control; nickel content can be precisely adjusted to optimize the final alloy's high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties.

SECTION 5: TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

APPLICATION AREAS EXPLANATION:

High-Temperature Strength: AlNi master alloy is used in aerospace structural parts, turbine components, and engine parts requiring high-temperature strength and stability. Nickel provides strength retention at elevated temperatures where conventional aluminum alloys soften.

Corrosion Resistance: Nickel enhances corrosion resistance in marine applications, chemical processing equipment, and aggressive environments where standard aluminum alloys would corrode.

Heat-Resistant Alloys: AlNi alloys are used in components operating at elevated temperatures up to 300-400°C, maintaining mechanical properties and dimensional stability.

Electrical and Electronic Applications: AlNi alloys are used in specialty electrical contacts, resistance heating elements, and other applications requiring specific electrical and thermal properties.

SECTION 6: STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT EXPLANATION:

AlNi master alloy should be stored in a dry and cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Due to nickel content, appropriate protection measures should be taken to prevent surface oxidation during long-term storage. 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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

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

• Skin Contact: Avoid prolonged skin contact. Nickel is a known skin sensitizer and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

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

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

• Allergic Reactions: Nickel may cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Use appropriate PPE.

• 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-Ni alloys obtained by adding AlNi master alloy to the final alloy are given below. These values vary significantly depending on nickel content, other alloy components, and processing conditions.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES EXPLANATION:

When AlNi master alloy is added to the final alloy, nickel content significantly affects mechanical properties. Nickel increases tensile strength and hardness through the formation of thermally stable intermetallic particles (Al₃Ni, Al₃Ni₂) that provide dispersion strengthening. However, ductility (elongation) decreases as nickel content increases.

The most significant advantage of AlNi alloys is the retention of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures (300-400°C) where conventional aluminum alloys would soften and lose strength. Nickel also improves creep resistance and high-temperature stability, making AlNi alloys suitable for applications involving prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.

SECTION 9: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL NOTES

SUMMARY:

Aluminum-Nickel (AlNi) master alloy is a pre-alloy containing controlled amounts of nickel (1-30%) within an aluminum matrix. It is supplied in rod, ingot, or granule form. Density ranges from 2.7-8.9 g/cm³ depending on nickel content, and melting point ranges from 600-650°C.

AlNi master alloy is used to add nickel to aluminum alloys. Nickel improves high-temperature strength, enhances corrosion resistance, and develops superior mechanical properties. It is particularly valuable in aerospace, automotive, and energy sector applications where components are exposed to high temperatures and aggressive environments.

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. Nickel may cause allergic reactions in some individuals; handle with appropriate PPE. Personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, dust mask) is recommended.

Basic Properties:

Main Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• NOT HAZARDOUS: Not hazardous under normal use

• DUST RISK: Avoid inhalation of dust

• ALLERGY: Nickel may cause allergic reactions in some individuals

• MELTING: Ensure adequate ventilation during melting operations

• PPE: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask should be used

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

• SKIN CONTACT: Avoid prolonged skin contact

CRITICAL NOTES:

1. High-Temperature Strength: AlNi master alloy significantly improves the high-temperature strength and thermal stability of aluminum alloys through the formation of thermally stable intermetallic phases (Al₃Ni, Al₃Ni₂). This makes AlNi alloys suitable for applications at 300-400°C where conventional aluminum alloys would soften.

2. Corrosion Resistance Enhancement: Nickel enhances corrosion resistance in various aggressive environments, including acidic and marine environments. This makes AlNi alloys suitable for chemical processing and marine applications.

3. Adjustable Nickel Content: AlNi master alloy can be produced with nickel contents ranging from 1% to 30% according to customer requirements. As nickel percentage increases, high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance improve, but ductility decreases. Optimum nickel content should be determined according to application requirements.

4. Dispersion Strengthening: The fine intermetallic particles (Al₃Ni, Al₃Ni₂) provide dispersion strengthening, improving hardness, wear resistance, and high-temperature strength retention.

5. Nickel Allergy Warning: Nickel is a known skin sensitizer and may cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Avoid prolonged skin contact and use appropriate PPE when handling AlNi master alloy. Some individuals may have pre-existing nickel allergies.

6. Aluminum Dust Safety: Aluminum dust generated during processing of AlNi 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 AlNi master alloy.