Abstract
This paper examines the viability of using X-ray diffraction to monitor the loss of lithium from the surface of aluminium-lithium alloys during heat treatment in air at 530° C. It has been found that the amount of Li2CO3, a major constituent of the surface film, can be related to the extent of lithium depletion as determined by microhardness measurements. The technique is very sensitive to the amount of lithium depletion, readily detecting the carbonate after only five minutes exposure at 530° C. Cooling rate, initial surface removal, surface finish and alloy composition were all found to influence results, but, provided these parameters are controlled, it is concluded that X-ray diffraction is a rapid and non-destructive method of monitoring lithium depletion in aluminium-lithium alloys.
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Holdway, P., Bowen, A.W. The measurement of lithium depletion in aluminium-lithium alloys using X-ray diffraction. J Mater Sci 24, 3841–3849 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01168945
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01168945