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Aluminum-Lithium Alloys:
Composition and Density
Aluminum-lithium alloys, formed as a result of a combination of aluminum and lithium, are unique due to their physical properties and light weight which make them suitable for many aerospace applications. Therefore, these alloys are important for the production of aircrafts, boosters and satellites. In this article, the composition and the density of aluminum-lithium alloys are discussed in detail.
Composition of Aluminum-Lithium Alloys
Aluminum-lithium alloys are composed of aluminum (Al) and lithium (Li) only. The exact composition of the alloy depends on the application and desired properties of the alloy. However, some alloys are composed of as much as 9.5%Li by weight. Some of the most common Al-Li alloys are classified into three categories based on the Li content:
Low lithium content alloys (less than 4.5%Li) – these alloys generally have a 25% Li by weight and have good corrosion resistance.
Medium lithium content alloys (between 4.5-9%Li) – these alloys are known for having improved strength and are suitable for aerospace applications.
High lithium content alloys (more than 9%Li) – these alloys are the strongest among the three, but also have poor corrosion resistance.
Density of Aluminum-Lithium Alloys
The density of aluminum-lithium alloys vary depending on their composition. Low-lithium content alloys generally have a lower density than alloys containing higher amounts of lithium. For example, a low-lithium content alloy with a Li content of 0.8% by weight can have a specific gravity of 2.62 g/cm3. On the other hand, a high-lithium content alloy with a Li content of 9.5% by weight can have a specific gravity of 2.78 g/cm3.
In conclusion, aluminum-lithium alloys are important for the production of aircrafts, boosters and satellites. They are composed of aluminum and lithium only and their specific gravity depends on the amount of lithium present in the alloy. Low-lithium alloys generally have a lower density than high-lithium alloys, allowing them to be used in a variety of aerospace applications.
