BLANKETING ATMOSPHERE FOR MOLTEN ALUMINUM-LITHIUM ALLOYS OR PURE LITHIUM

摘要

Blanketing of molten aluminum-lithium alloys is performed under a nontoxic and noncorrosive dichlorodifluoromethane containing gas atmosphere, which produces a thin self-passivating fluxing film on the melt surface. The blanketing atmosphere protects the melt from oxidation, burning, and lithium evaporation, improves alloy cleanliness and can be used in any furnace, transfer or casting operation. The blanketing atmosphere can be applied in the entire range of commercial or master aluminum-lithium alloys including pure lithium melts. The dichlorodifluoromethane concentration in the blanketing atmosphere can range from 0.05 to 100 vol% with the remainder being an inert gas such as argon.