Magnesium LA141, Ultralight Mg-Li Alloy,E FOUR

Product Datasheet: Magnesium LA141 (Ultralight Mg-Li Alloy)** **The World's Lightest Structural Alloy** --- #### **Overview** Magnesium LA141 is a revolutionary ultra-lightweight alloy belonging to the magnesium-lithium (Mg-Li) family. With a lithium content of approximately 14%, it achieves a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure, which grants it exceptional ductility and formability at room temperature, unlike most conventional magnesium alloys. Its most defining characteristic is an extremely low density, making it the lightest structural metal alloy available commercially. It is primarily used in aerospace and defense applications where minimum weight is the paramount design criterion. --- #### **Key Features & Benefits** * **Ultra-Low Density:** Significantly lighter than any other structural magnesium or aluminum alloy. * **Excellent Ductility and Formability:** Can be cold-rolled, bent, and formed with ease, overcoming the brittleness of traditional magnesium alloys. * **High Damping Capacity:** Excellent at absorbing mechanical vibration and shock, protecting sensitive components. * **Good Machinability:** Can be machined to high tolerances. * **Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** Offers exceptional specific strength (strength/density), especially in stiffness-critical applications. --- #### **Chemical Composition (Weight %)** The nominal composition of LA141 alloy is as follows: | Element | Magnesium (Mg) | Lithium (Li) | Aluminum (Al) | Others (e.g., Mn, Si) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Content %** | Balance | 13.0 - 15.0 | 1.0 - 1.5 | < 0.5 | *Note: The high lithium content is the key to its low density and unique BCC structure. Aluminum is added for solid solution strengthening.* --- #### **Physical & Mechanical Properties (Typical for Sheet/Plate)** | Property | Value | Condition / Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | **1.35 g/cm³ (0.049 lb/in³)** | At 20°C - ~25% lighter than standard Mg; ~50% lighter than aluminum. | | **Melting Range** | ~ 600°C (1112°F) | | | **Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS)** | 124 - 145 MPa (18,000 - 21,000 psi) | | | **Tensile Yield Strength (TYS)** | 110 - 124 MPa (16,000 - 18,000 psi) | | | **Elongation** | **15 - 30%** | In 2 inches (50 mm) - Demonstrates exceptional formability. | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 42 GPa (6.1 x 10⁶ psi) | Note: Lower absolute stiffness than most alloys, but high *specific stiffness*. | | **Hardness** | 50 - 60 HB | | --- #### **International Standards & Cross-References** LA141 is a specialized alloy often procured under proprietary or government specifications rather than common commercial standards. * **ASTM:** While not covered by a common standard like AZ91, it may be procured to a custom **ASTM B90** (Sheet and Plate) or similar, with agreed-upon parameters. * **AMS:** **AMS 4389** - This Aerospace Material Specification covers Magnesium-Lithium alloy plate and sheet (LA141A). * **U.S. Military:** **MIL-M-46198** - This military specification historically covered Magnesium-Lithium alloy castings and ingots. * **Common Name:** **LA141**, **Mg-14Li-1Al** --- #### **Product Applications** LA141 is exclusively used in the most weight-sensitive applications, primarily in aerospace and defense. * **Aerospace & Satellites:** * **Satellite and Spacecraft Structures:** Brackets, panels, and housings where every gram saved directly reduces launch costs. * **Avionics Trays and Enclosures:** Provides lightweight shielding and support for electronic systems. * **Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Airframes:** Critical for maximizing flight time and payload capacity. * **Defense & Military:** * Portable electronics housings for field equipment. * Components for missiles and lightweight armor systems. * **Portable Electronics:** * Housings for high-end laptops, cameras, and communication devices (though cost and reactivity often limit widespread use). --- #### **Processing, Handling & Limitations** * **Fabrication:** Excellent for cold forming, bending, and stamping. Can be welded using TIG methods, but requires an inert atmosphere due to high reactivity. * **Corrosion Resistance:** **Poor.** The high lithium content makes it highly reactive and susceptible to corrosion, especially in the presence of moisture. It **must** be protected with high-quality, durable coatings (e.g., anodizing, specialized paints, plating). * **Temperature Sensitivity:** Mechanical properties degrade rapidly at temperatures above 120-150°C (250-300°F). Not suitable for elevated temperature service. * **Cost:** High cost due to lithium and the specialized processing required in a controlled, moisture-free environment. --- **Disclaimer:** This information is for reference purposes only. LA141 is a specialized material with significant handling challenges. Its use requires careful design consideration, particularly regarding corrosion protection and temperature limits. Testing and qualification for the specific application are essential.

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 3345 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.