Ingredients / Composition
Calcium alloys are made by combining calcium (Ca) with other metals to enhance specific material properties. Calcium is typically used in small percentages due to its reactivity and role as a modifier or additive.
Common Calcium Alloys:
Calcium-Aluminum Alloy (Ca-Al)
Calcium: 10โ30%
Aluminum: Balance
Calcium-Silicon Alloy (Ca-Si)
Calcium: 30โ35%
Silicon: 55โ60%
Iron or aluminum may be added
Calcium-Lead Alloy (Ca-Pb)
Calcium: <1%
Lead: Balance
Calcium-Magnesium Alloy (Ca-Mg)
Calcium: 1โ2%
Magnesium: Balance
Usage of Calcium Alloys
| Application Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Steel Industry | Ca-Si alloy is used as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer, improving steel quality. |
| Aluminum Refining | Ca-Al alloy acts as a grain refiner and improves casting performance. |
| Battery Grids | Ca-Pb alloy is used in lead-acid batteries for longer service life and strength. |
| Foundry Additive | Enhances fluidity and structure in cast metals. |
| Magnesium Alloys | Ca-Mg improves corrosion resistance and weldability in lightweight alloys. |
Key Highlights
Improves Mechanical Properties: Adds strength and durability to base metals.
Enhances Casting Behavior: Reduces defects and improves metal flow in molds.
Widely Used in Steel Making: Helps produce cleaner, high-quality steel.
Battery Technology: Key for modern maintenance-free batteries.
ย Lightweight Applications: Used in automotive and aerospace magnesium alloys.
FAQ
Calcium improves steel quality by removing oxygen, sulfur, and impurities during refining, leading to better surface finish and mechanical strength.
In aluminum, calcium enhances castability, modifies grain structure, and can improve resistance to hot cracking.
Calcium-lead alloys are used in battery grids to increase strength, reduce water loss, and extend battery life.
Yes. Calcium is often added to magnesium alloys for structural applications requiring both low weight and high corrosion resistance.
Indirectly. Calcium-containing alloys like Ca-Si may be involved in producing semiconductor-grade silicon by purifying metallurgical-grade silicon.
