Aluminium-lithium Master Alloy，Aluminium lithium Alloy，AlLi Alloy，E FORU

**Product Datasheet: Aluminium-Lithium Master Alloy (Al-Li Alloy)** **Version:** 1.0 | **Date:** 2025-04-02 --- ### **1. General Overview** Aluminium-Lithium Master Alloy (Al-Li Alloy) is a premium lightweight structural material that revolutionizes weight-critical applications through lithium's unique properties. Each 1% lithium addition reduces density by approximately 3% while increasing elastic modulus by about 6%. This master alloy enables production of advanced aluminium-lithium alloys offering superior strength-to-weight ratios, making them indispensable in aerospace and advanced transportation applications. --- ### **2. International Standards** Al-Li master alloys are governed by stringent international specifications: - **ASTM:** ASTM B934 (Al-Li Alloys for Aerospace Applications) - **AMS:** AMS 4417, AMS 4418, AMS 4419 (Various Al-Li Alloy Compositions) - **EN:** EN 586-3 (Al-Li Alloy Forgings) - **ISO:** ISO 209-1 (Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys) - **Typical Master Alloy Grades:** Al-3%Li, Al-5%Li, Al-10%Li --- ### **3. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** Typical composition ranges for Al-Li master alloy: | Element | Content (%) | Role & Remarks | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------| | Lithium (Li) | 2.0 – 10.0 | Primary lightweighting element | | Copper (Cu) | 0 – 4.0 | Strengthening element in final alloys | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0 – 5.0 | Solid solution strengthening | | Zirconium (Zr) | 0 – 0.5 | Grain refinement and recrystallization control | | Manganese (Mn) | 0 – 0.8 | Impurity control and strengthening | | Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.10 | Strict impurity control | | Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.10 | Strict impurity control | | Sodium (Na) | ≤ 0.001 | Critical impurity control | | Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Base metal | --- ### **4. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Range | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Density | 2.47 – 2.65 g/cm³ | | Melting Range | 600 – 1700°C (Li melts at 180°C) | | Intermetallic Phases | AlLi, Al₂LiMg, Al₆CuLi₃ | | Elastic Modulus | 75 – 80 GPa | | Thermal Conductivity | 80 – 130 W/m·K | | Electrical Conductivity | 30 – 45 % IACS | | Vickers Hardness | 100 – 160 HV | | Lithium Activity | Highly reactive, requires special handling | --- ### **5. Key Characteristics & Advantages** - **Significant Weight Reduction:** 8-10% lower density than conventional aluminium alloys - **Enhanced Stiffness:** Higher specific modulus for improved structural efficiency - **Excellent Fatigue Performance:** Superior fatigue crack growth resistance - **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Comparable to 2000-series aluminium alloys - **Weldability:** Can be welded using conventional and advanced techniques - **Damage Tolerance:** Improved fracture toughness in optimized compositions --- ### **6. Product Applications** - **Aerospace Structures:** Aircraft fuselage skins, wing skins, floor beams - **Space Launch Vehicles:** Fuel tanks, cryogenic components, structural members - **Military Aircraft:** Fighter aircraft structures, helicopter components - **Commercial Aviation:** Airbus A350, A380; Boeing 787 structural components - **Advanced Transportation:** High-speed train components, racing automotive - **Sporting Goods:** High-performance bicycle frames, aerospace-grade equipment --- ### **7. Available Forms** - **Master Alloy:** Ingots under protective atmosphere - **Wrought Products:** Sheet, plate, extrusions, forgings - **Special Forms:** Powder for additive manufacturing (limited availability) - **Standard Sizes:** 5–15 kg ingots in sealed containers --- ### **8. Technical Guidelines for Use** - **Addition Rate:** 0.5–2.5% Li to the melt for final alloys - **Melt Temperature:** 680–750°C under protective atmosphere - **Holding Time:** 30–60 minutes with careful temperature control - **Atmosphere Control:** Argon or vacuum essential to prevent oxidation - **Casting:** Direct chill casting with controlled solidification - **Safety:** Strict protocols for lithium reactivity management --- ### **9. Mechanical Properties of Final Alloys** | Alloy Type | Li Content (%) | Density (g/cm³) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | |------------|----------------|-----------------|---------------------|----------------| | **2090** | 1.9–2.6 | 2.59 | 455–520 | 6–10 | | **2091** | 1.7–2.3 | 2.58 | 350–420 | 8–12 | | **2195** | 0.8–1.2 | 2.71 | 470–530 | 10–14 | | **8090** | 2.2–2.7 | 2.54 | 350–450 | 6–10 | --- ### **10. Heat Treatment Response** - **Solution Treatment:** 500–560°C depending on alloy composition - **Quenching:** Rapid quenching essential for lithium retention - **Aging:** Single or double aging cycles at 120–200°C - **Precipitation:** δ' (Al₃Li), θ' (Al₂Cu), S' (Al₂CuMg) phases --- ### **11. Quality Control Parameters** - Lithium content consistency (±0.1%) - Hydrogen content < 0.08 ml/100g - Sodium and potassium < 5 ppm each - Homogeneous microstructure certification - Mechanical properties verification to aerospace standards --- ### **12. Health, Safety & Handling** - **High Reactivity:** Lithium reacts vigorously with water and air - **Atmosphere Control:** Must be stored and processed under inert gas - **Fire Hazard:** Class D fire extinguishers required - **Personal Protection:** Full face protection, heat-resistant gloves - **Storage:** Sealed containers under argon atmosphere - **Emergency Procedures:** Specialized training for lithium fires --- ### **13. Economic & Supply Considerations** - **Premium Cost:** Significantly higher than conventional aluminium alloys - **Lithium Supply:** Subject to battery industry demand fluctuations - **Processing Cost:** Additional safety and atmosphere control expenses - **Value Justification:** Weight savings justify cost in aerospace applications - **Recycling:** Specialized processes required for lithium recovery --- ### **14. Generation Comparison** | Generation | Typical Alloys | Li Content (%) | Key Features | Applications | |------------|----------------|----------------|--------------|--------------| | **1st** | 2020, 01420 | 1.0–1.5 | Low Li, high Cu | Military aircraft | | **2nd** | 2090, 2091, 8090 | 1.8–2.5 | Medium Li, good strength | Commercial aircraft | | **3rd** | 2195, 2099, 2198 | 0.8–1.6 | Lower Li, Cu additions | Space, advanced aircraft | --- ### **15. Research & Development Trends** - **Fourth-Generation Alloys:** Improved toughness and corrosion resistance - **Additive Manufacturing:** Development of printable Al-Li powders - **Scandium-Lithium Combinations:** Enhanced properties through synergistic effects - **Recycling Technologies:** Efficient lithium recovery from manufacturing scrap - **Multi-functional Alloys:** Combined structural and functional properties --- ### **Disclaimer** This product requires extreme caution in handling and processing due to lithium's high reactivity. Properties and performance may vary based on specific application conditions and processing parameters. Al-Li alloys represent premium materials with significant cost and safety implications. Users must implement comprehensive safety protocols and conduct thorough testing before application. All processing must follow aerospace industry standards and lithium safety guidelines. Consult with certified materials engineers and safety specialists before use.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2299 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.