Metals & alloys · Aluminium alloys
Al–2Sc master alloy
An aluminium–scandium master alloy used to introduce scandium for grain refinement, recrystallization resistance and precipitation strengthening in advanced aluminium products.
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01
Overview
- Material class
- Metals & alloys
- Category
- Aluminium alloys
- Family
- Aluminium Master Alloy
- Product forms
- Casting
Composition
| Constituent | Min | Max | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sc | 1.8 | 2.2 | 2 | |
| Al | Balance |
02
Properties and conditions
Engineering properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ~2.8 | g/cm³ | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Addition form | waffle/ingot/rod | supplier dependent | |
| Primary phase | Al3Sc | master-alloy microstructure | |
| Typical addition | 0.1–0.4 | wt.% Sc | final alloy |
| Melting practice | controlled | high Sc cost |
Conditions
Representative supplied condition
Condition not fully specified in the source record.
03
Processing and use
Processing
- Scandium addition efficiency depends on dissolution, melt temperature and zirconium synergy.
- Al3(Sc,Zr) dispersoids provide recrystallization resistance.
Applications
- Al–Mg–Sc sheet
- Additive powders
- Weldable aerospace structures
- High-performance sports components
Selection considerations
- Economic value depends on using very low Sc additions effectively.
- Master-alloy quality and oxide inclusions affect recovery.
Open in an analysis tool
04
Standards and related materials
Standards and designations
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Al–2Sc master alloy | supplier specification |
05
Sources and context
Sources
- EU Critical Raw Materials ActExisting reference
- USGS scandium commodity summaryExisting reference
- NASA materials selection resourcesApplication reference
- U.S. Department of Energy critical materials programStrategic reference
Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.
Supply and sustainability
Scandium supply is small and often by-product based, producing high price volatility.
Long-life lightweight structures may offset scarce input; closed-loop production scrap is especially valuable.
Strategic context
Enables weldable, fine-grained high-performance aluminium and additive-manufacturing alloys.
Critical inputs: Scandium, Aluminium
Basis: EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024); USGS 2025 Critical Minerals List; US DOE Critical Materials Assessment (2023)