Chemical reaction of aluminum alloy powders with water

Conclusions

As a result of an investigation into the reaction of powders of several aluminum alloys with water it was established that the most active with respect to water are aluminum alloys containing magnesium, lithium, zinc, and other active elements. The rates of the reactions of these alloy powders with water are determined by the following factors: alloy composition, water and powder temperatures, and suspension concentration (s∶1). The highest rate of reaction with water (of the three industrial powders investigated — AMLD, PV-90, and SAS-1) is exhibited by the AMLD alloy powder, which contains lithium. The reaction of such alloy powders with water can be retarded or even completely prevented by the introduction of inhibitors — a measure permitting safe handling (e.g., hydrostatic pressing) of all aluminum alloy powders.