Al-Li alloys are extensively used in aerospace applications. Indeed, the addition of lithium not only improves alloy strength, it also reduces alloy density, and therefore fuel consumption. However, lithium cannot be localized by traditional techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning electron microscope. Our team therefore applied NanoSIMS 50L: the superior qualitative imaging capabilities of this ion microprobe enable precise lithium distribution within complex precipitates in the wire +arc additive manufactured 2xxx Al-Li alloy.
Recorded on a CAMECA NanoSIMS 50L at the University of Manchester, UK. Image courtesy of Yizhuo Ding.