Effect of composition on the reactivity of Al-rich alloys with water

Fe-bearing Al–Ga–In–Sn alloys were prepared by using arc melting under high purity argon atmosphere. Their microstructures were investigated by means of XRD, SEM/EDX, and the eutectic reaction of Al with grain boundary phase Ga–In–Sn (GIS) was measured using DSC. Fe dendrites were found to present on columnar Al grain surfaces. As the amount of low melting point metals (Ga, In and Sn) is 6 wt.% with a ratio of In:Sn of 15:7, these alloys just consist of Al(Ga) and In3Sn two phases. InSn4 was found in an alloy as its weight ratio of In:Sn approaches 1:1 with an extra addition of Sn (1 wt.%). The reactions of Al alloys with water were performed at different water temperatures ranging from 0.5 to 50 °C. Al reacted with water at a lower water temperature of 0.5 °C, but the reaction suspended within tens of minutes. Once water was heated to a higher temperature of about 15 °C, Al reacted with water again. The H2 generation rates measured at a water temperature of 50 °C depend on the compositions of alloys. Reasons concerning the reactivity of Al–water at different temperatures are discussed.

► Al–Ga–In–Sn–Fe alloy can react with water at near 0 °C.
► A new phase InSn4 in Al alloy enhances the reactivity of Al–water.
►  The H2 generation rates depend on the compositions of alloys.