Property |
Details |
Alloy Name |
Kovar (4J29) |
Chemical Composition |
~29% Nickel, ~17% Cobalt, Balance Iron |
Density |
8.3 g/cm³ |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) |
~5.5 × 10 /°C (20-200°C) |
Melting Point |
~1450°C |
Curie Point |
~435°C |
Magnetic Properties |
Ferromagnetic below Curie point |
Corrosion Resistance |
Moderate; often plated for protection |
Applications |
Hermetic seals, electronic components, CRTs, and glass-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal seals |
Key Features |
Matches expansion rates of glass and ceramics, excellent sealing properties |
Shandong Titanium Nickel Special Steel Co., Ltd., registered funds (one thousand yuan for 10,000 yuan), the company is mainly committed to high -tech enterprises that are integrated with special alloy materials, specializing in the research and sales of special alloys such as nickel -based and iron -based. Products include corrosion-resistant alloys, superalloys, precision alloys, Hastelloy, Monel, INCONEL, INCOLOY, copper-nickel alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, zirconium and zirconium alloys, nickel and nickel-based alloys, nickel-cobalt-based heat-resistant alloys , Hafnium alloy, etc., more than 60 kinds of alloy materials such as special stainless steel. On the basis of stabilizing the quality of the original products, according to the market demand, it solves the quality problems existing in the traditional metallurgical process, and ensures the low miscellaneous and low deflection of the alloy material products, which has won an excellent reputation in the industry.
1. What is Kovar (4J29)?
Kovar is a nickel-cobalt-iron alloy specifically designed for applications requiring a precise match of thermal expansion rates with materials like glass and ceramics. It is widely used for hermetic sealing.
2. What is the chemical composition of Kovar?
- Nickel: ~29%
- Cobalt: ~17%
- Iron: Balance
- Trace Elements: Carbon, manganese, silicon, and molybdenum.
3. What are the key properties of Kovar?
- Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE): Matches glass and ceramics over specific temperature ranges.
- High Strength: Retains mechanical integrity at various temperatures.
- Magnetic Properties: Ferromagnetic below its Curie point (~435°C).
- Good Sealing Capability: Excellent for creating airtight seals with glass and ceramics.
4. What are the typical applications of Kovar?
- Hermetic Seals: Used in glass-to-metal and ceramic-to-metal seals.
- Electronics: Components for transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.
- Aerospace: Containers for delicate instruments requiring precise thermal stability.
- Optics: Seals for optical components in high-precision devices.
5. Why is Kovar suitable for glass and ceramic seals?
Kovar's thermal expansion closely matches that of specific glasses and ceramics over a wide temperature range, preventing stress and ensuring airtight seals during thermal cycling.
6. How does Kovar perform at high and low temperatures?
- Low Temperatures: Maintains excellent dimensional stability and sealing properties.
- High Temperatures: Retains mechanical properties up to its Curie point (~435°C). Beyond this, its magnetic and structural properties may change.
7. What are the mechanical properties of Kovar?
- Density: ~8.3 g/cm³
- Tensile Strength: ~500 MPa
- Elastic Modulus: ~138 GPa
- Hardness: ~150 HB
8. Is Kovar corrosion-resistant?
Kovar has moderate corrosion resistance. For improved performance in humid or aggressive environments, it is often plated with materials like nickel, gold, or tin.
9. Can Kovar be heat-treated?
Yes, Kovar can be annealed or heat-treated to relieve internal stresses or optimize mechanical properties without affecting its thermal expansion characteristics.
10. What are the challenges of working with Kovar?
- Machinability: Tough to machine due to its strength and toughness.
- Welding: Requires careful techniques to preserve its properties.
- Cost: Higher cost compared to standard steels due to its composition.
11. How does Kovar compare to other alloys like Invar?
While Invar has a lower thermal expansion, Kovar is specifically engineered to match the thermal expansion of glasses and ceramics, making it better suited for sealing applications.
Let me know if you need further clarification or additional details!