Production of Mg-Li alloys by aluminothermic vacuum reduction

Abstract

Mg-Li alloys are the lightest metallic construction materials and one of the most representative light alloys. The process of producing Mg-Li alloys by vacuum aluminothermic reduction, using magnesite and lithium carbonate as raw materials, was studied. The influence of reduction parameters on the extents of reduction of MgO and Li 2 O was investigated. The results show that Mg-Li alloys can be produced by vacuum aluminothermic reduction using calcined magnesite and lithium carbonate. MgO was relatively easier to reduce by aluminum than Li 2 O. Almost all MgO was reduced to Mg and more than 96% of Li 2 O was reduced to Li. The main phase in the reduction slag was Li 2 O•5Al 2 O 3. The reaction mechanism was discussed. Vacuum aluminothermic reduction can be considered as a highly efficient and environmental friendly method for producing Mg-Li alloys.