3% Boron Aluminum

Lead-freeBoron Treatment for EC Aluminum Removes Ti, V, Cr, and Zr Restores Electrical Conductivity Waffle Form

Al-B master alloy (97% Al, 3% B) for boron treatment of electrical conductor aluminum and grain refining. Waffle form.

Solidus

1,220°F (660°C)

Density

0.098 lbs/in³ (2.72 g/cm³)

Primary Elements

Al, B

Nominal Composition

3% B, 97% Al

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Product Overview

3% Boron Aluminum is an aluminum-boron master alloy with a nominal composition of 97% Al and 3% B. The boron is present as fine aluminum boride particles in an aluminum matrix that melts at about 1,220°F (660°C).

The main use of aluminum-boron master alloys is boron treatment of electrical conductor (EC) aluminum. Transition elements such as titanium, vanadium, chromium, and zirconium sharply reduce the electrical conductivity of aluminum. Boron reacts with these elements to form insoluble borides that settle out of the melt, restoring conductivity. Aluminum-boron alloys are also used to add boron to aluminum alloys and in some grain refining practices.

Supplied in waffle form.

Available Forms

Waffle

Product Code

197

Technical Info

Thermal Properties

Melting Point (Solidus)1,220°F (660°C)

Physical Properties

Density (imperial)0.098 lbs/in³

Density (metric)2.72 g/cm³

Primary ElementsAl, B

Lead FreeYes

Key Features

Boron Treatment for EC AluminumRemoves Ti, V, Cr, and ZrRestores Electrical ConductivityWaffle Form

Solubility Note

Add to molten aluminum and stir, allow time for borides of titanium, vanadium, and other elements to form and settle before casting.

Nominal Composition

97% Al
3% B

Titanium, vanadium, chromium, and zirconium dissolved in aluminum reduce its electrical conductivity even at very low levels. Boron reacts with these elements to form insoluble borides that settle to the bottom of the furnace, removing them from solution and restoring conductivity.

The addition depends on the amount of titanium, vanadium, chromium, and zirconium in the melt. Boron is typically added in a small excess over the amount needed to react with these elements, and the melt is held to allow the borides to settle.

Boron alone has a limited grain refining effect. For grain refinement, titanium-boron master alloys such as Al-5Ti-1B (TiBor) are much more effective.