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Calcium Copper Master Alloy, Calcium Copper ingot, 7440-70-2, 7440-50-8

Calcium Copper Master Alloy, Calcium Copper ingot, 7440-70-2, 7440-50-8

Product Name: Calcium Copper Master Alloy (5Ca) – CuCa5%

1. Product Identification

Parameter Value
Composition Copper alloy containing 5% by weight Calcium, balance Copper
Form Master alloy ingot (typical weight: 1-5 kg per ingot)
CAS No (Calcium element) 7440-70-2
CAS No (Copper element) 7440-50-8
CAS No (Alloy) Not applicable (alloy mixture)
HS / GTIP Code (Turkey) 7403.29 – Copper alloys, unwrought (other copper alloys)
EINECS / ELINCS Not applicable (alloy)

2. Technical Specifications

Property Value Unit / Note
Calcium content 5.0 ± 0.5 % by weight
Copper content Balance (approx. 95%) % by weight
Liquidus temperature 1203 K 930 °C
Solidus temperature 1190 K 917 °C
Phase Intermediate (I) Alloy solidification behavior
Density (at 20°C) Approx. 8.2 g/cm³
Electrical conductivity ~45-55 % IACS (dependent on processing)
Thermal conductivity ~180-200 W/(m·K)
Appearance Metallic, copper-colored Solid ingot form
Microstructure Fine intermetallic CaCu₅ phases distributed in Cu matrix -

3. Detailed Applications

The Calcium Copper Master Alloy (5Ca) is specifically engineered for use in copper metallurgy where controlled calcium addition is required. Below are the detailed application areas:

3.1 Grain Refinement and Microstructure Control

  • Acts as an effective grain refiner for copper and copper-based alloys.

  • Reduces as-cast grain size, leading to improved mechanical properties and reduced segregation.

  • Promotes a uniform, equiaxed grain structure, especially in continuous cast copper products.

3.2 Deoxidation and Degassing

  • Removes dissolved oxygen from molten copper by forming stable calcium oxide (CaO) which floats to the surface.

  • Reduces hydrogen porosity by binding with hydrogen, minimizing gas defects in final castings.

  • Serves as a more stable deoxidizer compared to phosphorus or lithium in certain high-conductivity applications.

3.3 Improvement of Mechanical Properties

  • Increases tensile strength and hardness of copper alloys without significant loss of ductility when added in controlled amounts (typically 0.05-0.5% Ca final).

  • Enhances creep resistance and high-temperature stability of copper components.

3.4 High-Performance Electrical Components

  • Used in the production of electrical contact materials, vacuum interrupters, and switchgear components where calcium improves arc resistance and reduces contact welding.

  • Maintains good electrical conductivity (up to 55% IACS) while providing superior mechanical wear resistance.

3.5 Specialty Copper Casting

  • Employed in continuous casting of copper rods, wires, and tubes to improve surface quality and reduce casting cracks.

  • Ideal for production of oxygen-free copper grades requiring trace calcium addition (e.g., Cu-OF with Ca).

3.6 Lead-Free Copper Alloys

  • Acts as a substitute for lead in certain copper alloys to improve machinability while maintaining environmental compliance (RoHS, WEEE).

  • Enhances chip breakage during machining operations similar to lead-containing brasses and bronzes.

3.7 Bearing and Wear-Resistant Alloys

  • Added to copper-tin and copper-aluminum bearing alloys to improve anti-seizure properties.

  • Forms hard intermetallic particles that act as solid lubricants under boundary lubrication conditions.

3.8 Corrosion-Resistant Copper Alloys

  • Improves resistance to dezincification in brasses.

  • Enhances pitting corrosion resistance in copper-nickel alloys used in marine environments.

4. Advantages

  • Precise and stable calcium addition: The master alloy form prevents oxidation losses that occur when adding pure calcium directly to molten copper.

  • Improved strength-conductivity balance: Allows fine-tuning of mechanical and electrical properties in finished products.

  • Uniform microstructure: Facilitates homogeneous distribution of calcium throughout the melt, eliminating localized segregation.

  • Reduced dross formation: Lower oxidation tendency compared to pure calcium, resulting in cleaner melting operations.

  • Cost-effective alloying: Lower melting point (approx. 930°C) than pure calcium (839°C boiling point – difficult to handle), enabling safer and more efficient addition.

  • Compatibility: Suitable for use in induction furnaces, crucible furnaces, and continuous casting lines.

5. Handling & Storage

5.1 Storage Conditions

  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated area with relative humidity below 60%.

  • Keep in original packaging or sealed containers to prevent surface oxidation.

  • Avoid direct contact with water, steam, or acidic fumes.

  • Shelf life: Minimum 12 months when stored properly (surface tarnish does not affect performance).

5.2 Handling Precautions

  • Use clean, dry tools and crucibles to prevent contamination.

  • Preheat the master alloy to 150-200°C before adding to molten metal to avoid moisture-induced spattering.

  • Add to melt at temperatures between 950-1050°C (1742-1922°F) with gentle stirring.

  • Do not add directly to superheated melt above 1150°C as this may cause calcium vaporization.

5.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Protective gloves (leather or heat-resistant, EN 407)

  • Safety goggles or face shield (EN 166)

  • Heat-resistant apron and footwear

  • Respiratory protection (if grinding, cutting, or processing generates dust/fumes – use N95 or P2 filter)

6. Safety Information

Hazard Type Information
Solid form Non-hazardous. No acute toxicity.
Dust/fumes May cause respiratory irritation. Calcium oxide fumes can be mildly alkaline.
Reaction with water Slow reaction: damp surfaces may form calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas (negligible in solid ingot form). Do not immerse in water.
Fire hazard Not flammable. However, fine dust may be combustible in extreme conditions.
First aid (inhalation) Move to fresh air. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
First aid (skin) Wash with soap and water. Molten metal contact requires immediate medical attention.
Disposal Recycle as copper scrap. Do not dispose of in household waste. Follow local regulations for metal recycling.

Always follow local occupational safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EU-OSHA, or Turkish ISG regulations).

7. Packaging

  • Standard packaging: Stacked ingots on painted steel pallets (approx. 1000 kg per pallet).

  • Individual ingot weight: 2 kg, 5 kg, or as customer-specified.

  • Pallet dimensions: 1200 x 800 mm (Euro pallet) or custom.

  • Packaging material: Shrink-wrapped plastic or steel strapping.

  • Labeling: Product name, lot number, net weight, and supplier information.

  • Custom packaging: Available upon request (e.g., small-quantity boxes, anti-tarnish foil wrapping).

8. Compliance and Certifications

  • RoHS (2011/65/EU): Compliant (lead-free, cadmium-free)

  • REACH (EC 1907/2006): Registered for copper and calcium substances; alloy not subject to registration as an article.

  • Conflict minerals: Copper sourced from conflict-free smelters (upon request, RMI certification available).

  • Turkey customs compliance: GTIP 7403.29 – correct classification for unwrought copper alloys with <15% alloying elements.

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