Alloys based on LaNi5 are increasingly used for hydrogen storage applications. LCM manufactures a range of hydrogen storage alloys with the emphasis on very low impurity materials with controlled microstructures for specialised applications. Alloys are melted and cast in closely controlled conditions. In many instances the cast alloy is subject to complex heat treatment regimes to give the microstructure required for optimum performance.
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| Compositions and Purity: |
| (weight %) |
| La |
30 - 35 |
| Ni |
Balance |
| Na |
<0.01 |
| Mg |
<0.01 |
| Ca |
<0.01 |
| Si |
<0.03 |
| Transition metal elements, each |
<0.03 |
| C |
<0.02 |
| O |
<0.02 |
Individual compositions are usually set by the end-user, with alloys manufactured and supplied to specifications agreed between LCM and the customer.
Alloying additions
Various rare earth, transition and other metals may be used in formulations to modify alloy properties, notably aluminium and manganese.
Form
Typically crushed and graded granules, supplied to within a tightly controlled size range.
Quantity
Batch sizes range from 10kg to 200kg
Packaging
Inner: Standard packaging is under argon, to prevent oxidation, in 1kg units in sealed glass bottles.
Outer: Steel drums, typically with 10 to 50kg per drum
Quality assurance
Production processes are part of our quality management system—certified to ISO9001: 2000 standard. Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Conformance detailing the results from full chemical analysis. LCM alloys can be supplied with detailed hydrogen absorption / desorption curves if required.
