Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) AuGe
Au88Ge12: gold-germanium eutectic alloy, nominal Gold 88.00 and Germanium 12.00 (Lucas-Milhaupt)
Also known as UNS P00370, PREMABRAZE 880
Au88Ge12 is the gold-germanium eutectic alloy, about 88 atomic percent gold and 12 atomic percent germanium, sold as as-rolled foil and sheet.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Melting point
356 °C
Heat flow
44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C
Strength
185 MPa
Recipe, share of the weight
- Au 88%Gold
- Ge 12%Germanium
Best for
Brazing and die attach of electronic parts in vacuum or a controlled atmosphere, where a melting point near 356 °C and a low vapor pressure filler metal are needed (Lucas-Milhaupt)
Weakest at
Thin evidence base: the melting point, density, thermal conductivity and tensile strength are each printed with different values by different suppliers, and no hardness number and no space test was found
Risk at a glance
- People None found. Not classified in the supplier safety data sheet
- If it fails Moderate. Brazing above the maximum recommended temperature
- Corrosion Low. The supplier claims excellent corrosion resistance for Au88Ge12; no measured corrosion rate was found in any source we hold.
Quick facts: AuGe
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 14.7 to 18 g/cm³ | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Yield strength | 168 MPa | 1 sourced value |
| Tensile strength | 185 to 202 MPa | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Thermal conductivity | 30 to 44 W/(m·K) | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 13 ppm/K | 1 sourced value |
| Melting point | 340 to 361 °C | 4 sourced values across conditions |
What is the density of Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe)?
Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe) has a density of 14.7 to 18 g/cm³. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the thermal conductivity of Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe)?
Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe) has a thermal conductivity of 30 to 44 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe)?
Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe) has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 13 ppm/K. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the melting point of Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe)?
Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe) has a melting point of 340 to 361 °C. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the yield strength of Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe)?
Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe) has a yield strength of 168 MPa. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What are the other names and codes for Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe)?
Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe) is also written as UNS P00370, PREMABRAZE 880. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12) (AuGe) used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Die attach and brazing layers for microelectronic parts; Soldering of electronic components that need a low vapor pressure filler metal; Hermetic optoelectronic modules and cryogenic device assembly.
Why it exists
Au88Ge12 is a gold-germanium eutectic alloy used to braze and die-attach electronic parts and to seal hermetic packages. Lucas-Milhaupt prints a melting point of 356 °C for both liquidus and solidus. Suppliers disagree on the figure: the Goodfellow article gives 361 °C for the eutectic reaction, and the Goodfellow datasheet table gives 340-350 °C. The alloy is chosen for a sharp, high-temperature joint with a low vapor pressure filler metal. No space flight or qualification record for it was found in any source we hold.
Where it's used
Die attach and MEMS packaging
Goodfellow says the foil provides uniform brazing layers for die attach, MEMS packaging and hermetic assemblies. Its product page also lists hermetic optoelectronic modules and cryogenic device assembly.
Soldering of electronic components
Lucas-Milhaupt says typical applications include soldering of electronic components requiring low vapor pressure filler metal, and it lists controlled atmosphere and vacuum as heating methods.
Recipe
Au88Ge12: gold-germanium eutectic alloy, nominal Gold 88.00 and Germanium 12.00 (Lucas-Milhaupt); about 88 atomic percent gold and 12 atomic percent germanium (Goodfellow material article)
Au88Ge12 is a gold-germanium eutectic alloy. Lucas-Milhaupt prints a nominal composition of Gold 88.00 and Germanium 12.00, and Goodfellow describes it as about 88 atomic percent gold and 12 atomic percent germanium. Goodfellow supplies it as as-rolled foil and sheet.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Au | 88% | The main constituent. The Goodfellow article says the alloy forms fine intermetallic compounds distributed within a gold matrix. |
| Germanium Ge | 12% | The eutectic element. The Goodfellow article says this ratio achieves an optimized melting point of 356 °C. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Melting point
356 °C
measured
Lucas-Milhaupt prints liquidus and solidus both at 356 °C for PREMABRAZE 880.
Heat flow
44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C
measured
The Goodfellow datasheet prints 44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C. A Goodfellow article gives approximately 30 W m-1 K-1 with no temperature.
Strength
185 MPa
measured
The Goodfellow datasheet prints a tensile strength of 185 MPa for as-rolled foil or sheet.
How it compares
This profile does not rank Au88Ge12 against other solders on numbers, because no comparison table with other alloys was found in the sources we hold. Goodfellow's article claims that, compared with traditional tin-based solders, Au-Ge alloys provide better conductivity, minimal interdiffusion and improved reliability over time. That is a supplier claim, not a measured comparison.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | AuGe | Au | Ag | Pt | Pd | Rh | Ru | Os | Au alloys | AuSn | Ag 92.5 Cu 7.5 | Ag alloys | Pd-Ag | Pd-Cu, Pd-Ni, Pd-Cr | Pt-Rh | Pt-Ir | Pt-W, Pt-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | |||||||||||||||||
| Liquidus, PREMABRAZE 880 | 356 °C1 | 1065 °C | 961.9 °C | 1769 °C | 1555 °C | 1964 °C | 2334 °C | 3033 °C | 955 °C | 280 °C | 788 to 891 °C | 780 °C | no data | 1397 °C | 1840 to 1870 °C | 1790 to 1800 °C | 1865 to 1885 °C |
| Solidus, PREMABRAZE 880 | 356 °C2 | 1065 °C | 961.9 °C | 1769 °C | 1555 °C | 1964 °C | 2334 °C | 3033 °C | 955 °C | 280 °C | 788 to 891 °C | 780 °C | no data | 1397 °C | 1840 to 1870 °C | 1790 to 1800 °C | 1865 to 1885 °C |
| Eutectic reaction temperature | 361 °C3 | 1065 °C | 961.9 °C | 1769 °C | 1555 °C | 1964 °C | 2334 °C | 3033 °C | 955 °C | 280 °C | 788 to 891 °C | 780 °C | no data | 1397 °C | 1840 to 1870 °C | 1790 to 1800 °C | 1865 to 1885 °C |
| Melting point range, Goodfellow datasheet tableRange printed in a manufacturer datasheet table | 340 to 350 °C4 | 1065 °C | 961.9 °C | 1769 °C | 1555 °C | 1964 °C | 2334 °C | 3033 °C | 955 °C | 280 °C | 788 to 891 °C | 780 °C | no data | 1397 °C | 1840 to 1870 °C | 1790 to 1800 °C | 1865 to 1885 °C |
| Thermal conductivity at 23 °CValue printed in a manufacturer datasheet table | 44 W m-1 K-16 | 320 W/(m K) | 429 W/(m K) | 74 W/(m·K) | 72 W/(m.K) | 150 W/(m·K) | 117 W/(m·K) | 87.6 W/(m·K) | 49 W/(m K) | 57 W/mK | no data | 371 W/m K | 61 W/(m.K) | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Thermal conductivity, approximate value in the article | 30 W m-1 K-17 | 320 W/(m K) | 429 W/(m K) | 74 W/(m·K) | 72 W/(m.K) | 150 W/(m·K) | 117 W/(m·K) | 87.6 W/(m·K) | 49 W/(m K) | 57 W/mK | no data | 371 W/m K | 61 W/(m.K) | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Physical and electrical | |||||||||||||||||
| Density, as printed in the safety data sheetValue printed in a supplier safety data sheet | 18 g/cm³10 | 19.3 g/cm³ | 10.5 g/cm³ | 21.45 g/cm³ | 12.02 g/cm³ | 12.42 g/cm³ | 12.36 g/cm³ | 22.5 g/cm³ | 15.8 g/cm³ | 14.7 - | 10.4 g/cm³ | 10 Mg/m3 | 10.9 g/cm³ | 10.8 g/cm³ | 19.97 g/cm³ | 21.54 g/cm³ | 21.26 g/cm³ |
| Density, Wesgo GEORO datasheet | 14.7 Mg/m311 | 19.3 g/cm³ | 10.5 g/cm³ | 21.45 g/cm³ | 12.02 g/cm³ | 12.42 g/cm³ | 12.36 g/cm³ | 22.5 g/cm³ | 15.8 g/cm³ | 14.7 - | 10.4 g/cm³ | 10 Mg/m3 | 10.9 g/cm³ | 10.8 g/cm³ | 19.97 g/cm³ | 21.54 g/cm³ | 21.26 g/cm³ |
| Temperature behavior | |||||||||||||||||
| Maximum recommended brazing temperature | 412 °C5 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Other measurements | |||||||||||||||||
| Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C | 13 ppm/K8 | 14.2 ppm/K | 19.1 ppm/K | 8.93 ppm/K | 11.8 ppm/K | 8.46 ppm/K | 6.78 ppm/K | 4.57 ppm/K | 14 ppm/K | 16 ppm/°C | 19 x10-6 K-1 | 19.6 x10-6 per °C | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Tensile strength, as-rolled foil or sheetValue printed in a manufacturer datasheet table | 185 MPa9 | no data | no data | 150 MPa | no data | no data | no data | no data | 616 MPa | 275 MPa | 207 MPa | 372 MPa | 310 MPa | no data | 300 to 680 MPa | 340 MPa | 800 to 1100 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2% offset), Wesgo GEORO datasheet | 168 MPa12 | no data | no data | 70 MPa | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | 272 MPa | 150 MPa | no data | 180 to 670 MPa | 220 MPa | 400 to 1000 MPa |
| Tensile strength, Wesgo GEORO datasheet | 202 MPa13 | no data | no data | 150 MPa | no data | no data | no data | no data | 616 MPa | 275 MPa | 207 MPa | 372 MPa | 310 MPa | no data | 300 to 680 MPa | 340 MPa | 800 to 1100 MPa |
| Elongation, 2 in (50 mm) gage section, Wesgo GEORO datasheet | 2 %14 | no data | no data | 40 % | no data | no data | no data | no data | 13 % | no data | no data | 19 % | 36 % | 3 % | 1.5 to 32 % | 32 % | 2 to 20 % |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- Brazing and die attach of electronic parts where a melting point of 356 °C is wanted (Lucas-Milhaupt).
- Heat flow through a joint, at 44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C in the Goodfellow datasheet.
Watch out for
- Three melting figures appear across sources: 340-350 °C (Goodfellow datasheet table), 356 °C (Lucas-Milhaupt and the Goodfellow product description) and 361 °C (Goodfellow article, eutectic reaction).
- No measured corrosion test was found: the corrosion and oxidation resistance are supplier claims.
- Germanium metal carries PubChem hazard codes, H361 and H373. The alloy's own safety data sheet does not classify it, so check the sheet for the lot you buy.
Au88Ge12 has a eutectic melting point printed as 356 °C by Lucas-Milhaupt and a datasheet with thermal and tensile values. Suppliers print the melting point differently, the thermal conductivity has two values, and no space test record was found. It suits electronic die attach where those figures are acceptable.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| UNS | P00370 |
| Trade name | PREMABRAZE 880 |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liquidus, PREMABRAZE 880 | Value printed in a manufacturer product details table; the same row also prints 673 °F | composition nominal Gold 88.00, Germanium 12.00 as printedbasis liquidus row of the product details table | — |
| 2 | Solidus, PREMABRAZE 880 | Value printed in a manufacturer product details table; the same row also prints 673 °F | composition nominal Gold 88.00, Germanium 12.00 as printedbasis solidus row of the product details table | — |
| 3 | Eutectic reaction temperature | Value printed in a manufacturer materials article | composition Au-Ge eutectic, as described in the article | The same paragraph says the 88/12 ratio gives an optimized melting point of 356 °C, so the article prints both 361 °C and 356 °C. |
| 4 | Melting point range, Goodfellow datasheet table | — | composition Au 88 / Ge 12form foil or sheet, as rolled | This table prints 340-350 °C, but the Goodfellow product description gives about 356 °C, so the two supplier values disagree. |
| 5 | Maximum recommended brazing temperature | Process limit printed in a manufacturer product details table | process brazing, as printed by the supplierheating methods controlled atmosphere or vacuum | — |
| 6 | Thermal conductivity at 23 °C | — | temperature 23 °Ccomposition Au 88 / Ge 12form foil or sheet | The Goodfellow article gives approximately 30 W m-1 K-1 with no temperature; the two figures are kept side by side and not reconciled. |
| 7 | Thermal conductivity, approximate value in the article | Approximate value printed in a manufacturer materials article | temperature not statedcomposition Au-Ge eutectic | The article gives this value as approximate and with no temperature; the datasheet prints 44 at 23 °C. |
| 8 | Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet table; the printed unit x10-6 K-1 is the same as ppm/K | temperature range 20 to 100 °Ccomposition Au 88 / Ge 12unit in source x10-6 K-1 as printed in the table header (equal to ppm/K) | — |
| 9 | Tensile strength, as-rolled foil or sheet | — | temper As Rolled (per the Goodfellow product page)form foil or sheetcomposition Au 88 / Ge 12 | — |
| 10 | Density, as printed in the safety data sheet | — | basis SDS states that properties in Section 9 are at standard temperature and pressure unless otherwise indicated | The Wesgo datasheet prints a different density for the same 88/12 alloy (14.7 Mg/m3, see the next row); both are kept side by side and not reconciled. |
| 11 | Density, Wesgo GEORO datasheet | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table; the sheet says values are not guaranteed | composition nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printedform not stated in the datasheetbasis values are based on test pieces and are indicative only, as the datasheet says | Disagrees with the 18 g/cm3 safety-data-sheet value above; the two figures are kept side by side. |
| 12 | Yield strength (0.2% offset), Wesgo GEORO datasheet | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table | offset 0.2%composition nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printedform not stated in the datasheettemper not stated in the datasheetbasis test pieces, indicative only, as the datasheet says | — |
| 13 | Tensile strength, Wesgo GEORO datasheet | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table | composition nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printedform not stated in the datasheettemper not stated in the datasheetbasis test pieces, indicative only, as the datasheet says | The Goodfellow datasheet prints 185 MPa for as-rolled foil or sheet; the two figures are kept side by side and not reconciled. |
| 14 | Elongation, 2 in (50 mm) gage section, Wesgo GEORO datasheet | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table | gage section 2 in / 50 mmcomposition nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printedform not stated in the datasheetbasis test pieces, indicative only, as the datasheet says | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier statement on corrosion resistance (no test conditions printed) | low | The supplier claims excellent corrosion resistance for Au88Ge12; no measured corrosion rate was found in any source we hold.1 |
| Supplier statement on oxidation resistance in harsh environments (no test conditions printed) | low | The supplier claims oxidation resistance for long-term use; the claim has no test data behind it in the sources we hold.2 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supplier statement on corrosion resistance (no test conditions printed) | Goodfellow's product page says the foil exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, stable electrical conductivity, and superior wettability on nickel and gold. It gives no test, environment or duration, so the claim is a vendor statement. | basis vendor statement, no environment, humidity, temperature or duration printedcomposition Au88/Ge12 |
| 2 | Supplier statement on oxidation resistance in harsh environments (no test conditions printed) | Goodfellow's material article says the oxidation resistance ensures long-term durability in harsh environments. It names no environment, temperature or duration, so this is also a vendor claim. | basis vendor statement, no test printedcomposition Au-Ge eutectic |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
The supplier safety data sheet for the solid alloy classifies it as not hazardous, but its toxicology entries read Not available.
- The alloy
- Goodfellow's safety data sheet for product AU040 gives no GHS classification and no hazard statements. Treat the alloy as unclassified until a current safety data sheet says otherwise.
- Germanium metal
- PubChem lists hazard codes for elemental germanium, including H361 and H373, from company notifications. Those codes apply to germanium, not to the eutectic alloy.
If the joint overheats
The only process limit in the sources is the supplier's maximum recommended brazing temperature.
- Brazing ceiling
- Lucas-Milhaupt prints a maximum recommended brazing temperature of 412 °C. The source does not say what happens above that limit.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Brazing above the maximum recommended temperaturemoderate severity | Heating the joint above 412 °CThe supplier prints 412 °C as the maximum recommended brazing temperature and states no consequence of exceeding it. |
Handling and storage
- Store in the original container, protected from direct sunlight, in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials, and keep the container tightly closed until use.
- Use good general ventilation, and wear safety eyewear with side shields where a risk assessment requires it.
Mitigations
- Dispose of surplus and non-recyclable material through a licensed waste disposal contractor.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Gold
- Top producers (2025)
- China 11.5%, Russia 9.4%, Australia 8.5%, Canada 6.1%, United States 4.8%
- Recycling
- USGS: an estimated 90 tons of new and old scrap was recycled in 2025, equivalent to about 60% of reported consumption.
- Substitutes
- USGS: generally, palladium, platinum, and silver may substitute for gold.
Germanium
USGS: most producers do not publicly report germanium production, so world production shares are not published; China is the leading producer of germanium metal. US import sources for germanium metal over 2021 to 2024 were China 41%, Belgium 27% and Germany 25%.
- Recycling
- USGS: the United States can recycle new and old germanium scrap, and machining scrap from infrared optics is routinely recycled.
- Substitutes
- USGS: silicon or gallium arsenide substitute for germanium in certain electronic applications.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
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spore: profile
id: gold-germanium
spore_version: 0.2
family: precious-metals
name: Gold-germanium eutectic (Au88Ge12)
abbreviation: AuGe
role: eutectic brazing and die-attach alloy for electronic parts and hermetic seals
category: metals
type: precious-metals
summary: 'Au88Ge12 is the gold-germanium eutectic alloy, about 88 atomic percent gold and 12 atomic percent germanium, sold as as-rolled foil and sheet. Lucas-Milhaupt prints its liquidus and solidus both at 356 °C for PREMABRAZE 880. Suppliers disagree on the melting point: a Goodfellow table prints 340-350 °C and a Goodfellow article prints 361 °C for the eutectic reaction. The Goodfellow datasheet prints a thermal conductivity of 44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C and a tensile strength of 185 MPa in the as-rolled temper.'
best_for: Brazing and die attach of electronic parts in vacuum or a controlled atmosphere, where a melting point near 356 °C and a low vapor pressure filler metal are needed (Lucas-Milhaupt)
weakest_at: 'Thin evidence base: the melting point, density, thermal conductivity and tensile strength are each printed with different values by different suppliers, and no hardness number and no space test was found'
identity:
formula: 'Au88Ge12: gold-germanium eutectic alloy, nominal Gold 88.00 and Germanium 12.00 (Lucas-Milhaupt); about 88 atomic percent gold and 12 atomic percent germanium (Goodfellow material article)'
source: lucas-premabraze
where: Product Details, row Nominal Composition; the atomic-percent wording is in the Goodfellow material article, Introduction
designations:
- system: UNS
code: P00370
source: goodfellow-product
where: Properties common to all products in this list, row UNS Number
- system: Trade name
code: PREMABRAZE 880
source: lucas-premabraze
where: Product Details, row Name
tags:
environments: []
stresses: []
applications:
- electronics-and-chips
properties:
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Liquidus, PREMABRAZE 880
value: 356
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
composition: nominal Gold 88.00, Germanium 12.00 as printed
basis: liquidus row of the product details table
method: Value printed in a manufacturer product details table; the same row also prints 673 °F
status: ground
source: lucas-premabraze
where: 'Product Details, row Liquidus: 673 °F, 356 °C'
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Solidus, PREMABRAZE 880
value: 356
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
composition: nominal Gold 88.00, Germanium 12.00 as printed
basis: solidus row of the product details table
method: Value printed in a manufacturer product details table; the same row also prints 673 °F
status: ground
source: lucas-premabraze
where: 'Product Details, row Solidus: 673 °F, 356 °C'
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Eutectic reaction temperature
value: 361
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
composition: Au-Ge eutectic, as described in the article
method: Value printed in a manufacturer materials article
status: ground
note: The same paragraph says the 88/12 ratio gives an optimized melting point of 356 °C, so the article prints both 361 °C and 356 °C.
source: goodfellow-material
where: Material Overview section, sentence beginning The eutectic reaction occurs at 361 °C
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Melting point range, Goodfellow datasheet table
value: 340
value_high: 350
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
composition: Au 88 / Ge 12
form: foil or sheet, as rolled
method: Range printed in a manufacturer datasheet table
status: ground
note: This table prints 340-350 °C, but the Goodfellow product description gives about 356 °C, so the two supplier values disagree.
source: goodfellow-tds
where: Thermal Properties table, row Melting point( C ), entry 340-350
- benchmark: max_brazing_temperature
label: Maximum recommended brazing temperature
value: 412
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
process: brazing, as printed by the supplier
heating_methods: controlled atmosphere or vacuum
method: Process limit printed in a manufacturer product details table
status: ground
source: lucas-premabraze
where: 'Product Details, row Max Recommended Brazing Temperature: 773 °F, 412 °C'
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at 23 °C
value: 44
unit: W m-1 K-1
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 23 °C
composition: Au 88 / Ge 12
form: foil or sheet
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet table
status: ground
note: The Goodfellow article gives approximately 30 W m-1 K-1 with no temperature; the two figures are kept side by side and not reconciled.
source: goodfellow-tds
where: Thermal Properties table, row Thermal conductivity( W m-1 K-1 ), entry 44@23°C
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity, approximate value in the article
value: 30
unit: W m-1 K-1
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: not stated
composition: Au-Ge eutectic
method: Approximate value printed in a manufacturer materials article
status: ground
note: The article gives this value as approximate and with no temperature; the datasheet prints 44 at 23 °C.
source: goodfellow-material
where: Material Overview section, sentence stating a thermal conductivity of approximately 30 W m-1 K-1
- benchmark: cte
label: Coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C
value: 13
unit: ppm/K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 20 to 100 °C
composition: Au 88 / Ge 12
unit_in_source: x10-6 K-1 as printed in the table header (equal to ppm/K)
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet table; the printed unit x10-6 K-1 is the same as ppm/K
status: ground
source: goodfellow-tds
where: Thermal Properties table, row Coefficient of thermal expansion, entry 13@20-100°C
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, as-rolled foil or sheet
value: 185
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temper: As Rolled (per the Goodfellow product page)
form: foil or sheet
composition: Au 88 / Ge 12
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet table
status: ground
source: goodfellow-tds
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile strength( MPa ), entry 185
- benchmark: density
label: Density, as printed in the safety data sheet
value: 18
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
basis: SDS states that properties in Section 9 are at standard temperature and pressure unless otherwise indicated
method: Value printed in a supplier safety data sheet
status: ground
note: The Wesgo datasheet prints a different density for the same 88/12 alloy (14.7 Mg/m3, see the next row); both are kept side by side and not reconciled.
source: goodfellow-sds
where: 'Section 9, Physical and chemical properties, row Density : 18 g/cm³'
- benchmark: density
label: Density, Wesgo GEORO datasheet
value: 14.7
unit: Mg/m3
scope: material
conditions:
composition: nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printed
form: not stated in the datasheet
basis: values are based on test pieces and are indicative only, as the datasheet says
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table; the sheet says values are not guaranteed
status: ground
note: Disagrees with the 18 g/cm3 safety-data-sheet value above; the two figures are kept side by side.
source: wesgo-georo
where: Physical Properties table, row Density, entry 14.7 Mg/m³ (0.531 lb/in³)
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Yield strength (0.2% offset), Wesgo GEORO datasheet
value: 168
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
offset: 0.2%
composition: nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printed
form: not stated in the datasheet
temper: not stated in the datasheet
basis: test pieces, indicative only, as the datasheet says
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: wesgo-georo
where: Physical Properties table, row Yield Strength (0.2% offset), entry 168 MPa (24.4 x 103 lb/in²)
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, Wesgo GEORO datasheet
value: 202
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
composition: nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printed
form: not stated in the datasheet
temper: not stated in the datasheet
basis: test pieces, indicative only, as the datasheet says
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
note: The Goodfellow datasheet prints 185 MPa for as-rolled foil or sheet; the two figures are kept side by side and not reconciled.
source: wesgo-georo
where: Physical Properties table, row Tensile Strength, entry 202 MPa (29.3 x 103 lb/in²)
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation, 2 in (50 mm) gage section, Wesgo GEORO datasheet
value: 2
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
gage_section: 2 in / 50 mm
composition: nominal 88% Au and 12% Ge by weight, as printed
form: not stated in the datasheet
basis: test pieces, indicative only, as the datasheet says
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, Physical Properties table
status: ground
source: wesgo-georo
where: Physical Properties table, row Elongation (2in/50mm gage section), entry 2%
corrosion:
- environment: Supplier statement on corrosion resistance (no test conditions printed)
headline: The supplier claims excellent corrosion resistance for Au88Ge12; no measured corrosion rate was found in any source we hold.
effect: Goodfellow's product page says the foil exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, stable electrical conductivity, and superior wettability on nickel and gold. It gives no test, environment or duration, so the claim is a vendor statement.
rating: low
conditions:
basis: vendor statement, no environment, humidity, temperature or duration printed
composition: Au88/Ge12
source: goodfellow-product
where: Product description, first paragraph
- environment: Supplier statement on oxidation resistance in harsh environments (no test conditions printed)
headline: The supplier claims oxidation resistance for long-term use; the claim has no test data behind it in the sources we hold.
effect: Goodfellow's material article says the oxidation resistance ensures long-term durability in harsh environments. It names no environment, temperature or duration, so this is also a vendor claim.
rating: low
conditions:
basis: vendor statement, no test printed
composition: Au-Ge eutectic
source: goodfellow-material
where: Material Overview section, paragraph on chemical stability
risks:
hazards:
- text: Goodfellow's safety data sheet for product AU040 (version 0.12, issued 01/03/2024) says the material is not classified under GHS, has no signal word and no hazard statements, and is not considered hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Its toxicology entries read Not available.
ghs: []
source: goodfellow-sds
where: Section 2 (Hazards identification) and Section 11 (Toxicological information)
- text: 'PubChem lists elemental germanium with notified hazard codes: H228 (flammable solid), H361 (suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child), H373 (may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure) and H412 (harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects). These codes are for germanium metal, not for the eutectic alloy, and 186 of 319 reports say germanium does not meet GHS criteria.'
ghs:
- H228
- H361
- H373
- H412
source: pubchem-germanium
where: GHS Classification (CID 6326954), hazard statements and ECHA C&L notifications summary
- text: PubChem says gold does not meet GHS hazard criteria in 502 of 506 reports.
ghs: []
source: pubchem-gold
where: GHS Classification (CID 23985)
failure_risks:
- mode: Brazing above the maximum recommended temperature
trigger: Heating the joint above 412 °C
consequence: The supplier prints 412 °C as the maximum recommended brazing temperature and states no consequence of exceeding it.
severity: moderate
source: lucas-premabraze
where: Product Details, row Max Recommended Brazing Temperature
side_effects: []
handling:
- text: Store in the original container, protected from direct sunlight, in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials, and keep the container tightly closed until use.
source: goodfellow-sds
where: Section 7 (Handling and storage)
- text: Use good general ventilation, and wear safety eyewear with side shields where a risk assessment requires it.
source: goodfellow-sds
where: Section 8 (Exposure controls and personal protection)
mitigations:
- text: Dispose of surplus and non-recyclable material through a licensed waste disposal contractor.
source: goodfellow-sds
where: Section 13 (Disposal considerations)
uses:
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Die attach and brazing layers for microelectronic parts
example: Goodfellow says the foil provides uniform brazing layers for die attach, MEMS packaging, and hermetic assemblies.
source: goodfellow-tds
where: Product description, first paragraph
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Soldering of electronic components that need a low vapor pressure filler metal
example: Lucas-Milhaupt says typical applications include soldering of electronic components requiring low vapor pressure filler metal.
source: lucas-premabraze
where: Product Overview
- application: electronics-and-chips
device: Hermetic optoelectronic modules and cryogenic device assembly
example: Goodfellow's product page lists hermetic optoelectronic modules, precision MEMS packaging, and cryogenic device assembly among its applications.
source: goodfellow-product
where: Product description, third paragraph
supply:
- subject: Gold
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 11.5
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 9.4
year: 2025
- country: Australia
share_percent: 8.5
year: 2025
- country: Canada
share_percent: 6.1
year: 2025
- country: United States
share_percent: 4.8
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: an estimated 90 tons of new and old scrap was recycled in 2025, equivalent to about 60% of reported consumption.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: generally, palladium, platinum, and silver may substitute for gold.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-gold
where: 'World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column: China 380, Russia 310, Australia 280, Canada 200 and United States 160 tons; shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the printed world total of 3,300 tons. Recycling and Substitutes sections. Critical-list status was not confirmed from a source we hold.'
- subject: Germanium
abundance: 'USGS: most producers do not publicly report germanium production, so world production shares are not published; China is the leading producer of germanium metal. US import sources for germanium metal over 2021 to 2024 were China 41%, Belgium 27% and Germany 25%.'
producers: []
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: the United States can recycle new and old germanium scrap, and machining scrap from infrared optics is routinely recycled.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: silicon or gallium arsenide substitute for germanium in certain electronic applications.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-germanium
where: Domestic Production and Use; Import Sources (2021-24); Recycling; World Refinery Production and Reserves; Substitutes
media: []
documents:
- title: Goodfellow safety data sheet, Gold/Germanium Eutectic, product AU040, version 0.12
type: sds
url: https://www.goodfellow.com/usa/safety-data-sheet/download/pdf/AU040
year: 2024
- title: Goodfellow technical data sheet, Gold-Germanium Eutectic Foil/Sheet (Au88-Ge12)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.goodfellow.com/usa/technical_data/pdf/download?sku=1000034432-group
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Germanium'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-germanium.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Gold'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-gold.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'PubChem: Germanium (CID 6326954), GHS classification'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6326954
year: 2026
- title: 'PubChem: Gold (CID 23985), GHS classification'
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/23985
year: 2026
- title: Georo data sheet, gold-germanium vacuum brazing alloy, 88% Au and 12% Ge (Wesgo, Morgan Advanced Materials)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.morgantechnicalceramics.com/media/yosagllg/wesgo_georo_technical-data-sheet-2018.pdf
year: 2018
gaps:
- 'Critical-mineral list status for gold and germanium is not confirmed: the USGS 2025 list page opened without its list text, so critical_lists is empty for both.'
- No peer-reviewed Au-Ge phase diagram or eutectic paper was added; web search reached its per-turn limit before one could be found.
- No EN, DIN, ASTM, AMS or JIS designation was printed by any source we hold. Only the UNS code P00370 (Goodfellow) and the trade name PREMABRAZE 880 (Lucas-Milhaupt) are listed.
- 'Melting point differs across suppliers: 340-350 °C (Goodfellow datasheet table), 356 °C (Lucas-Milhaupt liquidus and solidus, and the Goodfellow product description) and 361 °C (Goodfellow article, eutectic reaction). All three are kept with their sources.'
- 'Thermal conductivity differs: 44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C (Goodfellow datasheet) against approximately 30 W m-1 K-1 with no temperature (Goodfellow article). Both are kept.'
- 'Electrical resistivity is not recorded: the Goodfellow article prints a value with a garbled unit.'
- 'Density disagrees across sources: 18 g/cm3 (Goodfellow safety data sheet, Section 9) against 14.7 Mg/m3 (Wesgo Georo datasheet, Physical Properties). Both are kept and not reconciled.'
- 'Tensile strength disagrees across sources: 185 MPa (Goodfellow datasheet, as-rolled foil or sheet) against 202 MPa (Wesgo Georo datasheet, form and temper not stated). Both are kept.'
- Yield strength (168 MPa) and elongation (2%) come from one source only, the Wesgo Georo datasheet, which prints no form or temper.
- 'Hardness: the Goodfellow article describes a hardness and ductility balance but prints no number.'
- Specific heat and Young's modulus were not found in any source we hold. A search snippet pointed to a materials page for AuGe12 that was not fetched, so no value from it is used.
- max_brazing_temperature is not a canonical name in property-canon.yaml and needs canon review.
- Corrosion and oxidation resistance are supplier claims. No measured corrosion or oxidation rate for Au88Ge12 was found in any source we hold.
- No space qualification, flight, vacuum outgassing or radiation result was found for Au88Ge12.
- No tabulated comparison values for other solders were found, so the compare text makes no numeric ranking.
- Germanium world production shares are not published in the USGS summary. The US import shares are given in the supply text, not as producer shares.
- Atomic weights for gold and germanium were not recorded, so the recipe gives shares only.
- The Lucas-Milhaupt page prints no UNS, EN or AMS code, so the standard code for this alloy is not listed.
sources:
lucas-premabraze:
title: PREMABRAZE 880 product page (Lucas-Milhaupt)
url: https://www.lucasmilhaupt.com/EN/Products/PREMABRAZE-880.htm
kind: web
license: supplier web page, linked not reproduced
goodfellow-product:
title: Gold-Germanium Eutectic Foil/Sheet (Au88-Ge12), product page (Goodfellow)
url: https://www.goodfellow.com/usa/gold-germanium-eutectic-alloy-foil-au88-ge12-group
kind: web
license: supplier web page, linked not reproduced
goodfellow-tds:
title: Goodfellow technical data sheet, Gold-Germanium Eutectic Foil/Sheet (Au88-Ge12), SKU 1000034432-group
url: https://www.goodfellow.com/usa/technical_data/pdf/download?sku=1000034432-group
kind: datasheet
license: supplier document, linked not reproduced
goodfellow-material:
title: Gold/Germanium Eutectic (Au88/Ge12), Material Information (Goodfellow resources article)
url: https://www.goodfellow.com/usa/resources/gold-germanium-eutectic-au88-ge12-material-information/
kind: web
license: supplier web page, linked not reproduced
goodfellow-sds:
title: Safety data sheet, Gold/Germanium Eutectic, product AU040, version 0.12 (Goodfellow)
url: https://www.goodfellow.com/usa/safety-data-sheet/download/pdf/AU040
kind: datasheet
year: 2024
license: supplier document, linked not reproduced
usgs-mcs2026-germanium:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Germanium
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-germanium.pdf
kind: report
year: 2026
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-mcs2026-gold:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Gold
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-gold.pdf
kind: report
year: 2026
license: public domain (USGS)
pubchem-germanium:
title: PubChem compound summary, Germanium (CID 6326954), GHS classification
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/6326954/JSON
kind: database
year: 2026
license: public domain (NIH PubChem)
pubchem-gold:
title: PubChem compound summary, Gold (CID 23985), GHS classification
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/23985/JSON
kind: database
year: 2026
license: public domain (NIH PubChem)
wesgo-georo:
title: Georo data sheet, gold-germanium vacuum brazing alloy, 88% Au and 12% Ge (Wesgo, Morgan Advanced Materials)
url: https://www.morgantechnicalceramics.com/media/yosagllg/wesgo_georo_technical-data-sheet-2018.pdf
kind: datasheet
year: 2018
license: manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-11-01'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 14
unreachable: 1
caveats: 4
note: 'Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from pages and PDFs read in that session: 14 property values across 10 sources. The Wesgo Georo datasheet (2018) added density, yield strength, tensile strength and elongation on 2026-11-02. No peer-reviewed phase-diagram source was added.'
story:
recipe:
line: Au88Ge12 is a gold-germanium eutectic alloy. Lucas-Milhaupt prints a nominal composition of Gold 88.00 and Germanium 12.00, and Goodfellow describes it as about 88 atomic percent gold and 12 atomic percent germanium. Goodfellow supplies it as as-rolled foil and sheet.
parts:
- name: Gold
symbol: Au
share_percent: 88
role: The main constituent. The Goodfellow article says the alloy forms fine intermetallic compounds distributed within a gold matrix.
- name: Germanium
symbol: Ge
share_percent: 12
role: The eutectic element. The Goodfellow article says this ratio achieves an optimized melting point of 356 °C.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
level: 0
verdict: Not classified in the supplier safety data sheet
lead: The supplier safety data sheet for the solid alloy classifies it as not hazardous, but its toxicology entries read Not available.
points:
- label: The alloy
line: Goodfellow's safety data sheet for product AU040 gives no GHS classification and no hazard statements. Treat the alloy as unclassified until a current safety data sheet says otherwise.
- label: Germanium metal
line: PubChem lists hazard codes for elemental germanium, including H361 and H373, from company notifications. Those codes apply to germanium, not to the eutectic alloy.
- title: If the joint overheats
lead: The only process limit in the sources is the supplier's maximum recommended brazing temperature.
points:
- label: Brazing ceiling
line: Lucas-Milhaupt prints a maximum recommended brazing temperature of 412 °C. The source does not say what happens above that limit.
why: 'Au88Ge12 is a gold-germanium eutectic alloy used to braze and die-attach electronic parts and to seal hermetic packages. Lucas-Milhaupt prints a melting point of 356 °C for both liquidus and solidus. Suppliers disagree on the figure: the Goodfellow article gives 361 °C for the eutectic reaction, and the Goodfellow datasheet table gives 340-350 °C. The alloy is chosen for a sharp, high-temperature joint with a low vapor pressure filler metal. No space flight or qualification record for it was found in any source we hold.'
uses:
- where: Die attach and MEMS packaging
line: Goodfellow says the foil provides uniform brazing layers for die attach, MEMS packaging and hermetic assemblies. Its product page also lists hermetic optoelectronic modules and cryogenic device assembly.
- where: Soldering of electronic components
line: Lucas-Milhaupt says typical applications include soldering of electronic components requiring low vapor pressure filler metal, and it lists controlled atmosphere and vacuum as heating methods.
can_do:
- label: Melting point
benchmark: melting_point
value: 356 °C
line: Lucas-Milhaupt prints liquidus and solidus both at 356 °C for PREMABRAZE 880.
- label: Heat flow
benchmark: thermal_conductivity
value: 44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C
line: The Goodfellow datasheet prints 44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C. A Goodfellow article gives approximately 30 W m-1 K-1 with no temperature.
- label: Strength
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
value: 185 MPa
line: The Goodfellow datasheet prints a tensile strength of 185 MPa for as-rolled foil or sheet.
compare: This profile does not rank Au88Ge12 against other solders on numbers, because no comparison table with other alloys was found in the sources we hold. Goodfellow's article claims that, compared with traditional tin-based solders, Au-Ge alloys provide better conductivity, minimal interdiffusion and improved reliability over time. That is a supplier claim, not a measured comparison.
compare_rows:
- label: Melting point
benchmark: melting_point
- label: Thermal conductivity
benchmark: thermal_conductivity
- label: Tensile strength
benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
handling:
- Store the foil in its original container, dry and cool, away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials (Goodfellow safety data sheet, Section 7).
- Braze at or below the maximum recommended brazing temperature of 412 °C (Lucas-Milhaupt).
- Dispose of waste through a licensed contractor (Goodfellow safety data sheet, Section 13).
good_for:
- Brazing and die attach of electronic parts where a melting point of 356 °C is wanted (Lucas-Milhaupt).
- Heat flow through a joint, at 44 W m-1 K-1 at 23 °C in the Goodfellow datasheet.
watch_out:
- 'Three melting figures appear across sources: 340-350 °C (Goodfellow datasheet table), 356 °C (Lucas-Milhaupt and the Goodfellow product description) and 361 °C (Goodfellow article, eutectic reaction).'
- 'No measured corrosion test was found: the corrosion and oxidation resistance are supplier claims.'
- Germanium metal carries PubChem hazard codes, H361 and H373. The alloy's own safety data sheet does not classify it, so check the sheet for the lot you buy.
verdict: Au88Ge12 has a eutectic melting point printed as 356 °C by Lucas-Milhaupt and a datasheet with thermal and tensile values. Suppliers print the melting point differently, the thermal conductivity has two values, and no space test record was found. It suits electronic die attach where those figures are acceptable.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PREMABRAZE 880 product page (Lucas-Milhaupt) | web | 6 values | ||
| Gold-Germanium Eutectic Foil/Sheet (Au88-Ge12), product page (Goodfellow) | web | 2 values | ||
| Goodfellow technical data sheet, Gold-Germanium Eutectic Foil/Sheet (Au88-Ge12), SKU 1000034432-group | datasheet | 5 values | ||
| Gold/Germanium Eutectic (Au88/Ge12), Material Information (Goodfellow resources article) | web | 3 values | ||
| Safety data sheet, Gold/Germanium Eutectic, product AU040, version 0.12 (Goodfellow) | datasheet | 2024 | 5 values | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Germanium | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Gold | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| PubChem compound summary, Germanium (CID 6326954), GHS classification | database | 2026 | 1 value | |
| PubChem compound summary, Gold (CID 23985), GHS classification | database | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Georo data sheet, gold-germanium vacuum brazing alloy, 88% Au and 12% Ge (Wesgo, Morgan Advanced Materials) | datasheet | 2018 | 4 values |
Updated