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Send EmailZirconium Copper Master Alloy, 7440-50-8, 7440-67-7
Product Name: Zirconium Copper Master Alloy
Trade Designation: ZrCu 50Zr
CAS Numbers: 7440-50-8 (Copper) / 7440-67-7 (Zirconium)
HS Code / GTIP: 7403.29.00
Zirconium Copper 50Zr is a concentrated master alloy containing a nominal 50% zirconium, balanced with copper. It is designed for the precise addition of zirconium into copper and copper-alloy melts to refine grain structure, improve mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, and enhance electrical conductivity after appropriate heat treatment. The product is supplied in solid, metallic ingot form.
| Property | Value (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Grade | 50Zr |
| Liquidus | 1168 K (895 °C) |
| Solidus | 1158 K (885 °C) |
| Melting Range | 885 – 895 °C |
Note: The narrow solidification range ensures homogeneous dissolution in copper melts.
| Element | Specification (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Zirconium (Zr) | 50.0 ± 1.5 % |
| Copper (Cu) | Balance |
| Maximum Impurities: | |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.20 % |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.10 % |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≤ 0.10 % |
| Oxygen (O) | ≤ 0.05 % |
| Other elements (each) | ≤ 0.05 % |
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Silver-grey metallic solid |
| Form | Cut or cast ingot |
| Density (at 20 °C) | ~6.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 885 – 895 °C |
| Boiling Point | > 2500 °C (estimated) |
| Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic |
| Solubility in Cu | Highly soluble; rapid dissolution in liquid copper |
The 50Zr master alloy consists primarily of intermetallic phases, mainly CuZr and CuZr₂, embedded in a copper-rich matrix. This brittle structure enables easy breaking and accurate weighing of additions. It provides a highly efficient and consistent vehicle for introducing zirconium into melts, achieving superior recovery rates compared to pure zirconium metal additions.
ZrCu 50Zr is used to introduce zirconium into copper and copper-based alloys for:
Grain Refinement: Produces a fine, equiaxed grain structure.
Precipitation Hardening: Forms fine Cu₃Zr precipitates that significantly increase strength and creep resistance while maintaining high electrical and thermal conductivity.
High-Strength Conductor Alloys: Essential for CuCrZr and similar ternary systems.
Typical End Products: Electrical connectors, resistance welding electrodes, continuous casting moulds, high-temperature heat sinks, and aerospace structural components.
Master Alloy Production: As a base for other complex copper master alloys.
Ingot Weight: ~10–25 kg each (custom shapes available).
Standard Packing: Wooden pallets, secured with steel strapping and protected by shrink-wrap.
Unit Load: Typically 500–1000 kg per pallet.
Labeling: Each ingot and pallet is tagged with product name, heat number, gross/net weight, and production date.
Storage:
Store in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Keep away from moisture, open flames, and strong oxidizing agents.
The product is stable under recommended storage conditions. No shelf-life limitation when stored correctly.
Handling:
Ingots are brittle and may fracture; handle with care to avoid cuts.
Use appropriate mechanical lifting aids for pallets.
Preheating: To avoid steam explosions, preheat ingots to 100–150 °C before adding to a liquid metal bath if any surface moisture is suspected.
Hazard Classification:
This product in its supplied solid form is not classified as dangerous according to GHS/CLP regulations. No specific hazard labelling is required for transport or supply.
Precautionary Measures:
General: Wear suitable protective gloves, safety footwear, and safety glasses.
Melting Operations: Risk of fumes and dust generation. Use local exhaust ventilation. Do not inhale fumes. When handling molten metal, wear full heat-resistant protective clothing, face shield, and appropriate respirator for metal fumes.
Fire Fighting: The solid ingot is not combustible. However, fine dust or turnings may ignite. In case of a fire involving the material, use dry sand, Class D extinguishers, or inert gas. Do not use water.
First Aid:
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties persist.
Skin Contact: Cool burns from molten metal immediately with cold water. Seek medical treatment.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water. Consult a physician.
Environmental:
Prevent fine swarf or dust from entering drains or watercourses. Dispose of waste material in accordance with local and national regulations. The material can often be recycled.
Not classified as hazardous for transport by road (ADR), rail (RID), sea (IMDG), or air (IATA).
Protect from moisture during transport.
EU REACH: The product contains copper and zirconium, which are listed substances and not subject to current restrictions under Annex XVII. No authorization requirements for its intended use.
Conflict Minerals: This product is not sourced from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (CAHRAs).
RoHS: Compliant with Directive 2011/65/EU as an alloy not yet incorporated into homogeneous materials.
The information in this Technical Data Sheet is based on our current knowledge and is intended to describe the product for the purposes of health, safety, and technical processing requirements only. It should not be construed as guaranteeing any specific property or suitability for a particular application. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and determining the product's fitness for their own purposes.