In-Situ Electrochemical Processing of Light-Weight Alloys

研究了以低成本氧化锂为锂源的熔盐电解直接加工轻质合金的新工艺。该研究的主要目的是开发物理化学信息，可应用于铝锂合金的直接加工，用于制造高强度，低密度的结构。具体而言，研究将解决下列基本信息的确定问题：a)氧化锂在氟化钙-氟化锂熔体中的溶解度将作为熔体成分和温度的函数确定。b)测量氟化钙-氟化锂-氧化锂熔体电解过程中石墨上的阳极过电压。评价了阳极反应机理和极限电流密度区。c)电解效率将被确定。研究了温度、电解液组成、阳极和阴极电流密度、电极间距和阴极池搅拌对效率的影响。铝锂合金的加工方法成本较低，使用低成本的锂复合料，并通过在电解槽内直接生产铝锂合金而节省能源。

A new process for direct processing of light weight alloys by fused salt electrolysis using low cost lithium oxide as a lithium source will be investigated. The principal objective of the research is to develop physico-chemical information that can be applied to the direct processing of aluminum-lithium alloys for use in the manufacture of high strength, low density structures. Specifically, the research will address the determination of the following fundamental information: a) The solubility of lithium oxide in calcium fluoride-lithium fluoride melts will be determined as a function of melt composition and temperature. b) The anodic overvoltage on graphite during the electrolysis of calcium fluoride-lithium fluoride-lithium oxide melts will be measured. Anode reaction mechanism and limiting current density region will be evaluated. c) Efficiency of electrolysis will be determined. Effect of temperature, electrolyte composition, anode and cathode current densities, electrode spacing and stirring of the cathode pool on efficiency will be evaluated. The method for processing of aluminum-lithium alloys will be less expensive, use low cost lithium compound feed and save energy by directly producing aluminum-lithium alloys within the electrolytic cell.