Aluminium alloy, suitable for the incorporation of post-consumer waste, and containers obtained from said aluminium alloy

Abstract

The invention relates to an aluminum alloy composed, in % by weight, of: 0.05% to 0.6% silicon, 0.05% to 0.6% iron; 0.05% to 1.0% manganese; 0.001% to 0.5% barium; 0.001% to 0.5% strontium; 0.001% to 0.15% titanium; up to 1.0% copper; up to 0.4% magnesium; up to 0.15% chromium; up to 0.15% zinc; up to 0.15% vanadium; up to 0.20% zirconium; the other elements being up to 0.05% each and 0.15% in total, the remainder being aluminum. The invention also relates to a manufacturing process and products, in particular wrought products comprising the alloy according to the invention, in particular a container body, intended to receive a content under pressure or not under pressure.

Description

Title of the invention: Aluminum alloy, suitable for the incorporation of post-consumer waste, and containers obtained from said aluminum alloy Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to alloys, including those made from recycled materials, and particularly to those used in the manufacture of aluminum containers. The invention relates more specifically to containers obtained by a process known as impact spinning. More specifically, the present invention relates to processes and alloy compositions used in the manufacture of pins used to produce containers and other articles by impact spinning. Previous art

[0002] Aluminum recycling has the advantage of being both economical and environmentally friendly. Secondary aluminum production requires up to 95% less energy than primary aluminum and reduces CO2 emissions. In an effort to improve the environmental impact of aluminum production, the aluminum industry seeks to maximize the recycled content in its products. However, increasing the recycled content generally leads to an increase in impurity levels, particularly iron content, resulting in higher volume fractions and / or sizes and / or a more heterogeneous spatial distribution of iron-containing intermetallic particles. These factors can be detrimental to process times, such as homogenization, to forming properties such as elongation and formability, and to surface properties such as response to anodizing.This difficulty is explained, for example, in the article "Texture control by thermomechanical processing of AA6xxx Al-Mg-Si sheet alloys for automotive applications—a review" in the journal Materials Science and Engineering A336 (2002) 249-262.

[0003] In order to avoid this harmful effect, it may be considered to purify the metal.

[0004] French patent FR2902800 describes a method for manufacturing a reflow block from scrap allowing in particular to purify in iron and silicon the scrap of alloys of the 2XXX series or the 7XXX series, without however removing the addition elements such as zinc, copper and magnesium.

[0005] However, these additional purification steps may prove difficult to implement and costly.

[0006] Patent application WO2015 / 151907 Al also mentions the problem of the impurity content in recycled alloys.

[0007] US patent application US20080175747 describes an alloy in which impurities have little effect on the properties.

[0008] Patent application JP2007169740 A describes an alloy comprising, in % by weight, Si: 0.5 - 1.5%, Mg: 0.2 - 2.0%, and up to Fe: 1.5%, up to Mn: 1.0%, up to Cr: 0.5%, up to Zr: 0.5%, up to V: 0.3%, up to Ti: 0.2%, up to Zn = 1.5%, up to Cu: and containing not less than 0.015% and not more than 0.5% of Bi, Sn, Ga, Co, Ni, Ca, Mo, Be, Pb, and W remaining aluminum and impurities.

[0009] Patent application JP2016037632 describes an aluminum alloy sheet containing Mg: 0.2 to 2.0% by mass, Si: 0.3 to 2.0% by mass and Fe: 0.01 to 0.5% by mass and one or both of Ni and Co totaling 0.002 to 0.3% by mass and the remainder Al with unavoidable impurities.

[0010] The question of recycling is particularly relevant for aluminium containers, such as packaging, and in particular containers which can be obtained by stamping and possibly drawing sheets or by impact drawing of pins possibly followed by drawing.

[0011] Impact extrusion, also known as impact extrusion, possibly followed by drawing, is a process used particularly for manufacturing metal container bodies and other articles with unusual shapes. These products are generally made from an alloy pin composed of iron, magnesium, copper, aluminum, tin, or lead. The container body is formed inside the containment die from a lubricated pin that is impacted by a punch. The force of the punch deforms the pin around the punch to form the inner surface and along the die to form the outer surface. Once the initial shape is formed, the container body is removed from the punch with a counter-punch ejector, and other shrinking and shaping tools are used to give it the desired shape.Impact-spun container bodies are designed to hold pressurized or unpressurized contents; they include, in particular, aerosol generators, battery cases, and other containers, especially those requiring high strength and thus using a thicker wall than traditional aluminum beverage containers.

[0012] In a conventional impact spinning process, nearly pure aluminum is used due to its unique physical characteristics; these are typically AA1070 or AA1050 alloys, as designated by The Aluminum Association, composed of at least approximately 99.5% pure aluminum. Due to the strength requirements of these containers and the Ixxx family alloys generally used, the cost of these containers can be significant compared to beverage containers. classic ones that generally use AA3104 alloy

[0013] US patent application 20130068352 relates to aluminum alloys for use in a shock spinning manufacturing process to create shaped containers and other manufactured articles. In one embodiment, mixtures of recycled aluminum scrap are used in conjunction with relatively pure aluminum to create new compositions that can be formed and shaped in an environmentally friendly process.

[0014] US patent application 2021340648 relates to an aluminum alloy comprising 0.07% to 0.17% by weight of silicon, 0.25% to 0.45% by weight of iron, 0.05% to 0.20% by weight of copper, 0.30% to 0.50% by weight of manganese, 0.05% to 0.25% by weight of magnesium, 0.01% to 0.04% by weight of titanium, and the remainder being aluminum and, optionally, additional constituents.

[0015] US patent application 2021348254 relates to an aluminum alloy comprising: 0.07% to 0.17% by weight of silicon, 0.25% to 0.45% by weight of iron, 0.02% to 0.15% by weight of copper, 0.30% to 0.50% by weight of manganese, 0.05% to 0.20% by weight of chromium, 0.01% to 0.04% by weight of titanium, and the remainder of aluminum and, optionally, additional constituents.

[0016] Patent application EP3940099 relates to aluminum alloys for the manufacture of impact-extruded aluminum containers, consisting of 0.050 to 0.265 wt% Si, 0.150-0.250 wt% Fe, 0.010-0.125 wt% Cu, 0.010-0.400 wt% Mn, 0.100-0.200 wt% Mg, 0.150-0.250 wt% Cr, 0.010-0.100 wt% Ti, 0.001-0.050 wt% B, less than 0.15 wt% of secondary alloying elements with less than 0.05 wt% of any secondary alloying element, and aluminum as the remainder.

[0017] Patent application EP3940100 relates to aluminum alloys for the manufacture of aluminum cans by impact spinning. The alloys according to the invention consist of 0.050 to 0.200 wt% Si, 0.150-0.250 wt% Fe, 0.300-0.800 wt% Cu, 0.010-0.400 wt% Mn, 0.050-0.200 wt% Mg, 0.003-0.050 wt% Cr, 0.010-0.100 wt% Ti, 0.001-0.050 wt% B, less than 0.15 wt% B, and less than 0.05 wt% of secondary alloying elements, with less than 0.05 wt% of any secondary alloying element, and aluminum as the remainder.

[0018] Patent application EP4130306 relates to a process for producing an alloy strip from recycled aluminum in which up to 100% post-consumer aluminum can be used as secondary aluminum, thereby achieving a CO2 saving of at least 89% compared to the use of primary aluminum, and thus making a significant contribution to sustainability.

[0019] The problem that the present invention seeks to solve is therefore to provide an alloy that can tolerate a higher impurity content, particularly iron, and thus eliminates the need for additional purification when manufacturing wrought products. The problem is, in particular, to find a lightweight yet strong aluminum alloy for forming impact-spinned container bodies and other useful articles, and to utilize aluminum scrap to benefit the environment and conserve valuable natural resources. One problem that the present invention solves is to find an alloy offering an improved compromise between recycled content, formability, particularly of impact-spinned pins, and final mechanical properties, particularly of impact-spinned container bodies. Summary of the invention

[0020] An object of the invention is an aluminium alloy composed, in % by weight, of: 0.05% to 0.6% silicon, 0.05% to 0.6% iron; 0.05% to 1.0% manganese; 0.001% to 0.5% barium; 0.001% to 0.5% strontium; 0.001 to 0.15% titanium; up to 1.0% copper; up to 0.4% magnesium; up to 0.15% chromium; up to 0.15% zinc; up to 0.15% vanadium; up to 0.20% zirconium; the other elements being up to 0.05% each and 0.15% in total, the remainder being aluminium.

[0021] Another object of the invention is a method for manufacturing a wrought product comprising the steps: a) Supply aluminium, selected from electrolytically produced metal and / or pre-consumer manufacturing scraps and / or post-consumer waste that has optionally been melted separately and possibly solidified, and additive elements in appropriate form, b) if necessary, melt the aluminum to obtain a liquid aluminum bath, c) Adjust the composition of the liquid aluminum bath using the alloying elements to obtain an alloy according to the invention, with the possible exception of the Ti content, d) cast the alloy by adding a refiner containing at least TiC, to obtain a rough form whose composition is an alloy according to the invention, e) hot-forge and optionally cold-forge the rough form.

[0022] Another object of the invention is a method for manufacturing a container body comprising the steps of, starting from a pin whose composition is an alloy according to the invention or starting from a pin produced by a process according to the invention: i) shape the pawl into an unfinished container body by shock spinning, optionally followed by drawing, ii) cut the unfinished container body to length.

[0023] Another object of the invention is a method for manufacturing a container, comprising the steps of: a) to produce a container body by a process according to the invention, |3) transform the container body into a container, possibly by forming in diameter and / or by attaching a sealing piece to said container body.

[0024] Another object of the invention is a wrought product comprising or made of an alloy according to the invention or capable of being obtained by a process according to the invention.

[0025] Another object of the invention is a semi-finished product, preferably a pin or a container body, comprising or made of an aluminum alloy according to the invention or capable of being obtained by a process according to the invention.

[0026] Another object of the invention is a finished product consisting of a container, preferably a package, for example an aerosol generator or a protective sleeve, intended to receive a content under pressure or not under pressure, which container comprises a container body according to the invention, on which a sealing piece is optionally attached.

[0027] Another object of the invention is the use of an aluminum alloy according to the invention for the production of a pawl or a container body. Detailed description

[0028] Various other features of the invention will become apparent from the attached description, in combination with the drawings which illustrate: [Fig.1] is an optical microscopy view of alloy A, [Fig.2] is an optical microscopy view of alloy B, [Fig.3] is an optical microscopy view of alloy C, [Fig.4] is an optical microscopy view of alloy D, [Fig.5] is an optical microscopy view of alloy E, [Fig.6] is a schematic view of a pin and various container bodies and containers derived from said pin.

[0029] Unless otherwise indicated, all indications concerning the chemical composition The composition of alloys is expressed as a percentage by weight relative to the total weight of the alloy. The expression 1.4 Cu means that the copper content expressed as a percentage by weight is multiplied by 1.4. The designation of alloys is made in accordance with the regulations of the Aluminium Association, which are familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0030] The static mechanical properties under tension, i.e. the breaking load Rm, the conventional yield strength at 0.2% elongation Rp0.2 (tensile yield strength), and the elongation at break A%, are determined by a tensile test according to standard NF EN ISO 6892-1. Unless otherwise specified, the definitions of standard EN 12258 (2012) apply.

[0031] Unless otherwise stated, the metallurgical states defined in standard EN 515 (2017) apply.

[0032] The inventors have identified an aluminum alloy composition and a process for manufacturing wrought products made with this aluminum alloy, enabling the solution of the problem posed. The alloy is distinguished in particular by the addition of a combination of barium and strontium in association with silicon, iron, manganese, and titanium and optionally with copper, magnesium, chromium, zinc, vanadium, and zirconium.

[0033] The manufacturing process for alloy products according to the invention is also distinguished by the addition of a refiner containing TiC during casting.

[0034] The alloy according to the invention contains at least 0.05% and at most 0.6% by weight of silicon. Advantageously, the silicon content is from 0.08% to 0.5% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 0.40% by weight. In one embodiment, the Si content is at least 0.08%, or is at least 0.11%, or is at least 0.14%, or is at least 0.17%, or is at least 0.20%, or is at least 0.23%, or is at least 0.27%, or is at least 0.30%. In one embodiment, the Si content is at most 0.60%, or is at most 0.57%, or is at most 0.54%, or is at most 0.51%, or is at most 0.48%, or is at most 0.45%.

[0035] The alloy according to the invention contains at least 0.05% and at most 0.6% by weight of iron. Advantageously, the iron content is from 0.08% to 0.5% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 0.40% by weight. In one embodiment, the Fe content is at least 0.08%, or is at least 0.11%, or is at least 0.14%, or is at least 0.17%, or is at least 0.20%, or is at least 0.23%, or is at least 0.26%, or is at least 0.29%, or is at least 0.32%, or is at least 0.35%, or is at least 0.38%. In one embodiment, the Fe content is at most 0.60%, or is at most 0.57%, or is at most 0.54%, or is at most 0.51%, or is at most 0.48%, or is at most 0.45%.

[0036] The alloy according to the invention contains at least 0.05% and at most 1.0% by weight of manganese.

[0037] Advantageously, the manganese content is from 0.1% to 0.6%, preferably 0.3% at 0.5%.

[0038] In one embodiment, the Mn content is at least 0.10%, or is at least 0.15%, or is at least 0.20%, or is at least 0.25%, or is at least 0.30%, or is at least 0.35%. In one embodiment, the Mn content is at most 1.00%, or is at most 0.95%, or is at most 0.90%, or is at most 0.85%, or is at most 0.80%, or is at most 0.75%, or is at most 0.70%, or is at most 0.65%, or is at most 0.60%, or is at most 0.55%, or is at most 0.50%.

[0039] The alloy according to the invention contains at least 0.001% and at most 0.5% by weight of barium.

[0040] Advantageously the barium content is from 0.005% to 0.3%, preferably from 0.008% to 0.05%.

[0041] In one embodiment, the Ba content is at least 0.002%, or is at least 0.004%, or is at least 0.006%, or is at least 0.008%, or is at least 0.010%, or is at least 0.012%, or is at least 0.014%, or is at least 0.016%, or is at least 0.018%. In one embodiment, the Ba content is at most 0.50%, or is at most 0.45%, or is at most 0.40%, or is at most 0.35%, or is at most 0.30%, or is at most 0.25%, or is at most 0.20%, or is at most 0.15%, or is at most 0.10%, or is at most 0.05%. In one embodiment, the Ba content is at most 0.050%, or is at most 0.048%, or is at most 0.046%, or is at most 0.044%, or is at most 0.042%, or is at most 0.040%, or is at most 0.038%, or is at most 0.036%, or is at most 0.034%, or is at most 0.032%, or is at most 0.030%, or is at most 0.028%.

[0042] The alloy according to the invention contains at least 0.001% and at most 0.5% by weight of strontium.

[0043] Advantageously the strontium content is from 0.005% to 0.3%, preferably from 0.008% to 0.05%.

[0044] In one embodiment, the Sr content is at least 0.002%, or is at least 0.004%, or is at least 0.006%, or is at least 0.008%, or is at least 0.010%, or is at least 0.012%, or is at least 0.014%, or is at least 0.016%, or is at least 0.018%. In one embodiment, the Sr content is at most 0.50%, or is at most 0.45%, or is at most 0.40%, or is at most 0.35%, or is at most 0.30%, or is at most 0.25%, or is at most 0.20%, or is at most 0.15%, or is at most 0.10%, or is at most 0.05%. In one embodiment, the Sr content is at most 0.050%, or is at most 0.048%, or is at most 0.046%, or is at most 0.044%, or is at most 0.042%, or is at most 0.040%, or is at most 0.038%, or is at most 0.036%, or is at most 0.034%, or is at most 0.032%, or is at most 0.030%, or is at most 0.028%.

[0045] As demonstrated in the examples, the combined addition of Ba and Sr in the presence of TiC makes it possible, in particular, to obtain iron-containing intermetallic particles that are on average finer, with a more homogeneous spatial distribution, and a maximum size reduced, compared to an alloy without such a combined addition of Ba / Sr. Thus, for the products according to the invention, the microstructure obtained for an alloy containing a high percentage by weight of iron, typically containing a high proportion of recycled material, can be close to that of an alloy with a lower iron content, and therefore can allow comparable hardness and formability properties to be obtained.

[0046] Generally speaking, "intermetallic particles" means compounds containing several metallic or metalloid elements and having a crystallographic structure different from the crystallographic structure of the solid aluminum solution, such as Al-Fe, Al-Mn-Fe, Al-Fe-Si, Al-Fe-Mn-Si, or Mg-Si, etc.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment the sum of the Ba and Sr contents is 0.005 to 0.08% by weight and preferably 0.01 to 0.04% by weight.

[0048] The alloy according to the invention contains at least 0.001% and at most 0.15% by weight of titanium. Advantageously, the titanium content is from 0.01% to 0.05%, preferably from 0.02% to 0.04% by weight.

[0049] In one embodiment, the Ti content is at least 0.002%, or is at least 0.004%, or is at least 0.006%, or is at least 0.008%, or is at least 0.010%, or is at least 0.012%, or is at least 0.014%, or is at least 0.016%, or is at least 0.018%. In one embodiment, the Ti content is at most 0.140%, or is at most 0.135%, or is at most 0.130%, or is at most 0.125%, or is at most 0.120%, or is at most 0.115%, or is at most 0.110%, or is at most 0.105%, or is at most 0.100%, or is at most 0.095%, or is at most 0.090%, or is at most 0.085%, or is at most 0.080%, or is at most 0.075%, or is at most 0.070%, or is at most 0.065%, or is at most 0.060%, or is at most 0.055%, or is at most 0.050%, or is at most 0.045%.

[0050] The method of adding titanium is also important. According to the invention, at least some of the titanium is added in the form of a refiner containing at least TiC, such as AlTi3C0.15, a refiner with a composition of 3% Ti, 0.15% C, and the remainder Al. The carbon content, which is on the order of a few ppm, cannot be easily measured and is therefore not indicated in the composition. Typically, 0.1 to 2 kg of this refiner are added per ton of metal. The remainder of the titanium can come from titanium wafers or other refiners such as AlTi3B, AlTi5B, AlTi5B0.2, or AlTi3B0.2.

[0051] The alloy according to the invention may contain at most 1.0% by weight of copper. Advantageously the copper content is from 0.005% to 0.5%, preferably from 0.01% to 0.2%.

[0052] In one embodiment, the Cu content is at least 0.005%, or is at least 0.007%, or is at least 0.009%, or is at least 0.011%, or is at least 0.013%, or is at least 0.015%, or is at least 0.017%. In one embodiment, the Cu content is at most 0.95%, or is at most 0.90%, or is at most 0.85%, or is at most 0.80%, or is at most 0.75%, or is at most 0.70%, or is at most 0.65%, or is at most 0.60%, or is at most 0.55%, or is at most 0.50%, or is at most 0.45%, or is at most 0.40%, or is at most 0.35%, or is at most 0.30%, or is at most 0.25%.

[0053] The alloy according to the invention may contain at most 0.4% by weight of magnesium. Advantageously, the magnesium content is up to 0.38%, preferably from 0.15% to 0.35%. In one embodiment, the Mg content is at most 0.48%, or is at plus 0.46%, or is at most 0.44%, or is at most 0.42%, or is at most 0.40%, or is at plus 0.38%, or is at most 0.36%, or is at most 0.34%, or is at most 0.32%, or is at plus 0.30%, or is at most 0.28%, or is at most 0.26%, or is at most 0.24%, or is at plus 0.22%.

[0054] The alloy according to the invention may contain at most 0.15% by weight of chromium. In one embodiment, the Cr content is at least 0.01%, or is at least 0.02%, or is at least 0.03%, or is at least 0.04%, or is at least 0.05%, or is at least 0.06%, or is at least 0.07%, or is at least 0.08%, or is at least 0.09%, or is at least 0.10%, or is at least 0.11%, or is at least 0.12%, or is at least 0.13%, and / or is at most 0.14%, or is at most 0.13%, or is at most 0.12%, or is at most 0.11%, or is at most 0.10%, or is at most 0.09%, or is at most 0.08%, or is at most 0.07%, or is at most 0.06%, or is at most 0.05%, or is at most 0.04%, or is at most 0.03%, or is at most 0.02%.

[0055] The alloy according to the invention may contain at most 0.15% by weight of vanadium. In one embodiment, the content of V is at least 0.01%, or is at least 0.02%, or is at least 0.03%, or is at least 0.04%, or is at least 0.05%, or is at least 0.06%, or is at least 0.07%, or is at least 0.08%, or is at least 0.09%, or is at least 0.10%, or is at least 0.11%, or is at least 0.12%, or is at least 0.13%, and / or is at most 0.14%, or is at most 0.13%, or is at most 0.12%, or is at most 0.11%, or is at most 0.10%, or is at most 0.09%, or is at most 0.08%, or is at most 0.07%, or is at most 0.06%, or is at most 0.05%, or is at most 0.04%, or is at most 0.03%, or is at most 0.02%.

[0056] The alloy according to the invention may contain at most 0.20% by weight of zirconium. In one embodiment, the Zr content is at least 0.01%, or is at least 0.02%, or is at least 0.03%, or is at least 0.04%, or is at least 0.05%, or is at least 0.06%, or is at least 0.07%, or is at least 0.08%, or is at least 0.09%, or is at least 0.10%, or is at least 0.11%, or is at least 0.12%, or is at least 0.13%, or is at least 0.14%, or is at least 0.15%, or is at least 0.16%, or is at least 0.17%, or is at most 0.18%, and / or is at most 0.19%, or is at most 0.18%, or is at most 0.17%, or is at plus 0.16%, or is at most 0.15%, or is at most 0.14%, or is at most 0.13%, or is at most 0.12%, or is at most 0.11%, or is at most 0.10%, or is at most 0.09%, or is at most 0.08%, or is at most 0.07%, or is at most 0.06%, or is at most 0.05%, or is at most 0.04%, or is at most 0.03%, or is at most 0.02%.

[0057] The alloy according to the invention may contain at most 0.15% by weight of zinc. In a In an advantageous embodiment, the zinc content is from 0.01% to 0.05%. In another advantageous embodiment, the zinc content is less than 0.01%. In one embodiment, the Zn content is at least 0.01%, or is at least 0.02%, or is at least 0.03%, or is at least 0.04%, or is at least 0.05%, or is at least 0.06%, or is at least 0.07%, or is at least 0.08%, or is at least 0.09%, or is at least 0.10%, or is at least 0.11%, or is at least 0.12%, or is at least 0.13%, and / or is at most 0.14%, or is at most 0.13%, or is at most 0.12%, or is at most 0.11%, or is at most 0.10%, or is at most 0.09%, or is at most 0.08%, or is at most 0.07%, or is at plus 0.06%, or is at most 0.05%, or is at most 0.04%, or is at most 0.03%, or is at most 0.02%.

[0058] The other elements are up to 0.05% each and 0.15% in total, the remainder being aluminium.

[0059] The other elements are typically unavoidable impurities or incidental elements such as the carbon already mentioned.

[0060] The alloy according to the invention is particularly useful for obtaining wrought products. A manufacturing process for products according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) Supply aluminium, selected from a metal obtained by electrolysis (for example in liquid form, ingot or sow form), and / or pre-consumer manufacturing scrap, and / or post-consumer waste that has optionally been melted separately and possibly solidified (for example in ingot or sow form), or a combination of at least two of these, and additives in appropriate form, b) if necessary, melt said aluminium to obtain a liquid aluminium bath, c) Adjust the composition of the liquid aluminum bath using the alloying elements to obtain an alloy according to the invention, with the possible exception of the Ti content, d) casting the alloy by adding a refining agent containing at least TiC, to obtain a rough form whose composition is an alloy according to the invention, e) hot and optionally cold roughing of the rough form.

[0061] In a first step, aluminum from electrolysis and / or pre-consumer manufacturing scrap and / or post-consumer waste is supplied, optionally having been melted separately and possibly solidified, and elements addition in an appropriate form.

[0062] Aluminium produced by electrolysis generally has the disadvantage of generating significant CO2 emissions during its manufacture, and therefore efforts are being made to limit its use.

[0063] Regarding other sources of metal, we distinguish: - pre-consumer manufacturing scrap, which is generated before the metal is delivered to the end customer, for example, the consumer of packaged products, the electric vehicle user, and - post-consumer waste, which is recovered after use of the product, typically packaging used.

[0064] Such sources of metal are further defined in ISO 14021 (Second Edition 2016-03-15 - Environmental marking and declarations — Environmental self-declarations (Type II labeling)).

[0065] The manufacturing steps for aluminum products generate numerous pre-consumer manufacturing scraps throughout all stages. These can include, for example, the ends of cast plates or billets that were dropped before hot forging, the ends of rolled or extruded products that were dropped during the manufacturing process of rolled or extruded products, the skeletons of blanks used for deep drawing, the skeletons of pins used for impact drawing, machining chips, etc. Post-consumer waste includes, for example, used packaging, used profiles from window frames or windows recovered during building demolitions, automotive parts recovered from junkyards, crushed automobiles, dismantled aircraft, aluminum wire, lithographic plates, etc.Post-consumer waste can be supplied in its raw form, in compacted form, or optionally having been melted separately and possibly solidified. Additives are also supplied in suitable forms. These may be elements in their metallic form or in an alloy form.

[0066] The process according to the invention is advantageous because it allows the use of a high percentage of manufacturing scrap and / or post-consumer waste. Thus, in one embodiment, the load contains at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 98% manufacturing scrap. Thus, in one embodiment, the load contains at least 40% or at least 50% or at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 98% of manufacturing scrap and post-consumer waste.

[0067] In one embodiment, a mixture of post-consumer waste from different sources is used: used beverage cans, typically made of alloy 3XXX, and used profiles, typically made of alloy 6XXX. Preferably, in this embodiment, the two sources are used in similar proportions, between 40% and 60% each.

[0068] If necessary, the aluminum is melted to obtain a bath of liquid metal.

[0069] The composition of the aluminum liquid bath is then adjusted using the addition elements to obtain an alloy according to the invention, with the possible exception of the Ti content.

[0070] By addition elements are meant elements that must be added during step c) so that the composition of the liquid aluminum bath obtained at the end of step b) is modified, if necessary, so that at the end of step c) a liquid aluminum alloy bath is obtained according to the invention, with the possible exception of the Ti content. By suitable form of the addition elements is meant that their composition, pure or alloyed, and their format, briquette or wafer or powder or wire, allows step c) to be carried out.

[0071] The alloy is then cast to obtain a rough form, adding a refiner containing at least TiC such as AlTi3C0.15, a refiner with a composition of 3% Ti, 0.15% C, and the remainder Al. Typically, 0.1 to 2 kg of this refiner are added per tonne of metal. The remaining titanium can come from titanium wafers or other refiners such as AlTi3B, AlTi5B, AlTi5B0.2, or AlTi3B0.2.

[0072] The rough form is then hot-forged and optionally cold-forged.

[0073] Advantageously, the rolling process is rolling or drawing and / or forging.

[0074] In one embodiment, in the manufacturing process according to the invention, the wrought product is a pin 1 (such a pin is illustrated, for example, in detail A of [Fig. 6]), the casting in step d) is a continuous casting, typically on a wheel, and in step e) the hot wrought operation is a hot rolling into a strip which is then cold rolled, and the process further comprises the following steps: f) Produce a raw pin from the cold-rolled strip, g) Heat treat the raw pin, h) Cool the heat-treated raw pin, i) treat the surface of the raw peg thus cooled to obtain peg 1.

[0075] In this embodiment, the cooling between the hot rolling and cold rolling steps can be carried out in line, typically by immersion in a coolant such as water or the hot rolled strip can be wound and air cooled.

[0076] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a container body comprising the steps of, starting from a piece 1 whose composition is in alloy according to the invention or resulting from the process according to the invention: j) shape the pin 1 into an unfinished container body 2 by impact extrusion, optionally followed by drawing (also called impact extrusion and ironing), k) cut to length the unfinished container body 2 (illustrated schematically on detail B. of [Fig.6]).

[0077] Such a method of impact spinning, with optional drawing, is described for example in the document "Forming Aluminium: Spinning Or Extrusion", Technique de l'Ingénieur, Roger DEVELAY, M651.

[0078] The shaping of the pin 1 generates an unfinished container body 2 which is a one-piece metal part, advantageously comprising a bottom wall 31 extended by a side wall 32 (preferably tubular).

[0079] The cut to length advantageously consists of a cut to length of the side wall32, also called "trimming".

[0080] The unfinished container body 2 is also called a "preform".

[0081] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a container comprising the steps of: a) produce a container body 3 by the process according to the invention, |3) transform the container body 3 into a container 4, possibly by forming in diameter and / or by attaching a sealing piece to said container body 3.

[0082] Diameter forming consists, for example, in a classical manner in itself, of a step of narrowing the side wall 32, to form a shoulder 33 (see details C. and D. on [Fig.6]).

[0083] The transformation of the container body 3 may also include: - a final roll forming step 34, at the level of the free edge of the side wall 32 (see detail C in [Fig.6]), and / or - a step of forming a thread 35 at the level of a neck, intended to receive a threaded capsule (see detail D. on [Fig.6]).

[0084] The invention also relates to a wrought product comprising or made of an alloy according to the invention, or capable of being obtained by the process according to the invention.

[0085] The invention also relates to a semi-finished product, preferably a pin 1 or a container body 3, comprising or made of an aluminum alloy according to the invention or obtained by the process according to the invention.

[0086] By "pion", we mean in particular a metal piece intended to be shaped to obtain a body containing 3.

[0087] Advantageously, the alloy according to the invention allows the manufacture of a body containing 3 from a pin 1 whose weight is less than that of a pin made from an alloy devoid of B a and Sr.

[0088] For example, the alloy according to the invention allows a weight saving ranging from 5 to 15%.

[0089] Without being limited by any theory, this weight gain is conferred by a improvement of the static tensile mechanical properties of the alloy (i.e. the tensile strength Rm and / or the yield strength Rp0.2

[0090] Advantageously, the semi-finished product according to the invention consists of a container body 3, intended to receive (or contain) a content under pressure (for example a pressure range greater than 0 bar up to 25 bar) or not under pressure / without pressure.

[0091] The container body 3 preferably comprises a bottom wall 31 extended by a side wall 32, advantageously tubular (for example with a circular or prismatic cross-section).

[0092] The invention also relates to a finished product consisting of a container 4, preferably packaging, for example: - a protective sleeve, for example for battery cells (see detail B in [Fig.6]), - an aerosol generator (see detail C in [Fig.6]), - a metal bottle (see detail D. of [Fig.6]), intended to receive contents under pressure or not under pressure.

[0093] The container 4 comprises a container body 3 according to the invention: - open, without a sealing piece, or - closed, on which a sealing piece 36 is possibly attached. The sealing piece 36 consists for example of a valve as in [Fig.6] detail C., a threaded plug as in [Fig.6] detail D., an easy-opening cover, a ring with a peelable membrane, a capsule or any other form of sealing piece.

[0094] The sealing piece advantageously comprises a metal ring which is sealed onto the container body 3 by a conventional crimping technique in itself.

[0095] In accordance with the present invention, the container body 3 according to the invention comprises intermetallic particles that are finer on average, with a more homogeneous spatial distribution and a reduced maximum size.

[0096] Without being limited by any theory, the characteristics of the intermetallic particles ensure in particular an improvement in the formability of the container body 3 which improves its surface condition (smoother) and which optimizes its crimping / sealing with the closure piece 36 (in particular when it is attached by crimping). Examples

[0097] Example 1

[0098] In this example, it was cast in the form of an ingot with a minimum cross-section of 17x40 mm various alloys whose composition is given in Table 1.

[0099] [Tables 1] Alloy Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Zn Ti Ba Sr Added TiC A 0.37 0.42 0.06 0.43 0.24 0.02 0.04 - - B 0.38 0.41 0.06 0.45 0.24 0.02 0.03 - 0.079 C 0.36 0.43 0.06 0.40 0.24 0.04 0.04 0.012 - D 0.37 0.41 0.06 0.44 0.24 0.02 0.03 - - Yes E 0.39 0.43 0.06 0.45 0.25 0.05 0.04 0.011 0.040 Yes

[0100] Alloy A simulates a shock-spun pin 1 composition in which a high recycled content has been incorporated. Alloys B, C, D, and E have a composition similar to that of alloy A, with additions of Sr (alloys B and E) and Ba (alloys C and E). For alloys D and E, 1 kg of AlTiC was added per tonne of metal.

[0101] The casting structure of the alloys was observed by optical microscopy.

[0102] Alloy A has a microstructure, illustrated by [Fig.1], in which coarse intermetallics are present.

[0103] In alloys B, C and D, the microstructure illustrated by Figures 2, 3 and 4, respectively, shows a slight tendency for the maximum size of the intermetallic particles to be smaller.

[0104] In alloy E, the microstructure, illustrated by [Fig.5], exhibits finer intermetallics on average and the maximum size of the intermetallic particles is also smaller.

[0105] To simulate the manufacturing process of impact spinning pins, the ingots were machined to a thickness of 15 mm, hot-rolled in 3 passes from 15 mm to 8.85 mm, cold-rolled to a thickness of 5.85 mm. A final heat treatment of 4 hours at 505 °C was then carried out.

[0106] The mechanical properties obtained after this treatment are given in Table 2. The Brinell hardnesses are characterized under the conditions 2.5 mm / 15.625 KgF.

[0107] [Tables2] Alloy Rpo2 (MPa) Rm (MPa) A% HB A 48 127 15.6 39.3 B 50 127 16.0 37.8 C 50 128 14.1 38.4 D 53 128 14.5 38.3 E 47 126 16.5 39.4

[0108] Example 2

[0109] In this example; ingots with a cross-section of 190 x 70 mm, whose composition is given in Table 3, were cast by direct cooling semi-continuous casting (DC casting).

[0110] [Tables3] Alloy Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Zn Ti Ba Sr TiC G 0.39 0.40 0.02 0.43 0.32 <0.01 0.03 - - H 0.38 0.39 0.02 0.43 0.25 <0.01 0.03 0.02 0.012 Yes I 0.30 0.42 0.03 0.46 0.25 <0.01 0.03 0.02 0.02 Yes

[0111] After casting, the ingots were reheated, hot-rolled to a thickness of 9.1 mm, and then cold-rolled to a thickness of 6 mm. Impact-drawing pins with a diameter of 49.74 mm were cut. The pins were heat-treated for 1h20 at 505 °C. For the H and I alloys, 1 kg of AlTiC was added per tonne of metal.

[0112] The mechanical characteristics of the heat-treated pins are given in Table 4.

[0113] [Tables4] Alloy Rp0.2 (MPa) Rm (MPa) A (%) HB G 56 125 13.1 37.0 H 48 119 15.7 35.9 I 45 115 17.3 32.2

[0114] The pins were spun by impact spinning. The mechanical properties were characterized after spinning and after lacquering and baking the lacquer. The results are given in Table 5.

[0115] [Tableaux5] After spinning After spinning + lacquering + lacquer baking Alloy Rp0.2 (MPa) Rm (MPa) A (%) Rp0.2 (MPa) Rm (MPa) A (%) G 206 234 2.7 186 212 4.3 H 208 235 2.7 188 210 3.3 I 212 239 2.3 190 211 2.8

[0116] The examples according to the invention (H and I) exhibit better spinning properties than the reference example G, linked in particular to improved elongation after heat treatment at 505 °C, as illustrated in Table 4, while exhibiting high mechanical strength after impact spinning (improved Rp0.2 and very close Rm), as illustrated in Table 5.

Claims

Demands

1. An aluminum alloy composed, in % by weight, of: 0.05% to 0.6% silicon, 0.05% to 0.6% iron; 0.05% to 1.0% manganese; 0.001% to 0.5% barium; 0.001% to 0.5% strontium; 0.001% to 0.15% titanium; up to 1.0% copper; up to 0.4% magnesium; up to 0.15% chromium; up to 0.15% zinc; up to 0.15% vanadium; up to 0.20% zirconium; the other elements being up to 0.05% each and 0.15% in total, the remainder being aluminum.

2. Aluminium alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that the barium content is from 0.005% to 0.3%, preferably from 0.008% to 0.05%.

3. Aluminium alloy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strontium content is from 0.005% to 0.3%, preferably from 0.008% to 0.05%.

4. A method for manufacturing a wrought product comprising the steps: a) Supplying aluminum, selected from a metal obtained by electrolysis and / or pre-consumer manufacturing scrap and / or post-consumer waste, optionally having been melted separately and possibly solidified, and additives in suitable form; b) if necessary, melting the aluminum to obtain a liquid aluminum bath; c) adjusting the composition of the liquid aluminum bath with the additives to obtain an alloy according to claims 1 to 3, with the possible exception of the Ti content; d) casting the alloy, adding a refiner containing at least TiC, to obtain a rough form having the composition of an alloy according to claims 1 to 3; e) wringing the rough form hot and optionally cold.

5. A method according to claim 4 in which the planing is of rolling or spinning and / or forging.

6. A manufacturing method according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the wrought product is a pin (1), wherein in step d) the casting is a continuous casting, typically on a wheel, in step e) the hot wrought is a hot rolling into a strip which is then cold rolled, and further comprising the following steps: f) Produce a rough pin from the cold rolled strip, g) Heat treat the rough pin, h) Cool the heat-treated rough pin, i) Treat the surface of the so-cooled rough pin to obtain the pin (1).

7. A method for manufacturing a container body (3) comprising the steps of, starting from a pin (1) whose composition is an alloy according to claims 1 to 3 or starting from a pin (1) obtained by the process according to claim 6: j) shaping the pin (1) into an unfinished container body (2) by impact spinning, optionally followed by drawing, k) cutting the unfinished container body (2) to length.

8. A method for manufacturing a container (4), comprising the steps of: a) producing a container body (3) by the method according to claim 7, |3) transforming the container body (3) into a container (4), optionally by forming in diameter and / or by attaching a sealing piece (26) to said container body (3).

9. Wrought product comprising or consisting of an alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or capable of being obtained by the process according to claim 4 or claim 5.

10. Semi-finished product, preferably a pin (1) or a container body (3), comprising or made of an aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or capable of being obtained by the process according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

11. Semi-finished product according to claim 10 characterized in that it consists of a container body (3), intended to receive a content under pressure or not under pressure, which container body (3) preferably comprises a bottom wall (31) extended by a side wall (32).

12. Finished product consisting of a container (4), preferably packaging, for example an aerosol generator or a protective sleeve, intended to receive pressurized or non-pressurized contents, which container (4) comprises a container body (3) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, on which a sealing piece (36) is optionally attached.

13. Use of an aluminum alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3 for the making of a pin (1) or a container body (3).

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