2% Lithium Copper
Product Code: 4981

2% Lithium Copper

Lead-freeDeoxidizer Degasser Hydrogen Scavenger Duplex Treatment Agent
Lithium copper master alloy (98% Cu, 2% Li) for deoxidizing and degassing copper and nickel alloy melts. Pcs, polished pieces, and slab forms.
Solidus
1,967°F (1,075°C)
Liquidus
1,985°F (1,085°C)
Density
0.319 lbs/in³ (8.82 g/cm³)
Primary Elements
Cu · Li
Nominal Composition
2% Li, 98% Cu
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Product Overview

2% Lithium Copper is a copper-lithium master alloy with a nominal composition of 98% Cu and 2% Li. Lithium has a unique dual capability as both a deoxidizer and a degasser — it combines with dissolved oxygen to deoxidize the melt and in a duplex treatment following prior deoxidation it acts as a hydrogen scavenger that removes dissolved hydrogen gas before it can form porosity during solidification. In a duplex treatment the melt is first deoxidized with phosphorus or silicon copper to remove dissolved oxygen then lithium copper is added to react with and remove the remaining dissolved hydrogen. Lithium additions also improve the mechanical properties of copper alloys by scavenging sulfur and other tramp elements that embrittle grain boundaries. Forms: 1 lb pieces (1 inch x 1 inch x 4 inch), 3-4 oz polished pieces, and 1 inch x 6 inch x 12 inch slabs.

Available Forms

1 Lb. Pcs. 1" X 1" x 4", 3-4 Oz. Polished Pieces, 1" x 6" x 12" Slabs

Product Code

4981

Technical Info

Thermal Properties

Melting Point (Solidus)1,967°F (1,075°C)
Melting Point (Liquidus)1,985°F (1,085°C)

Physical Properties

Density (imperial)0.319 lbs/in³
Density (metric)8.82 g/cm³
Primary ElementsCu · Li
Lead FreeYes
Key Features
DeoxidizerDegasserHydrogen ScavengerDuplex Treatment Agent
Solubility Note

Plunge below melt surface immediately on addition; lithium is reactive and volatile — minimize atmospheric exposure time between charging and dissolution.

Nominal Composition

  • 98% Cu
  • 2% Li

Frequently Asked Questions

Common technical inquiries regarding 2% Lithium Copper
In a duplex treatment the copper or bronze melt is first deoxidized with phosphorus copper or silicon copper to remove dissolved oxygen. After deoxidation is confirmed lithium copper is added at 0.002-0.01% Li by melt weight. With oxygen already removed the lithium selectively reacts with dissolved hydrogen forming LiH bubbles that rise and escape from the melt surface. The result is a melt low in both oxygen and hydrogen — the two primary causes of gas porosity in copper castings.
As a standalone deoxidizer for moderately oxidized copper melts add 0.05-0.1% Li by melt weight which requires 2.5-5 lbs of 2% Lithium Copper per 100 lbs of melt. As a degasser in a duplex treatment (following prior deoxidation) add 0.002-0.005% Li requiring only 0.1-0.25 lbs of master alloy per 100 lbs of melt. The lower addition rate in the duplex treatment reflects lithium's role as a hydrogen scavenger rather than an oxygen scavenger.
Lithium metal reacts with moisture in air to form lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas so lithium copper should be stored in sealed containers in a dry environment. Handle with clean dry gloves — moisture on the alloy surface produces a small but audible hiss when the piece contacts the melt which is normal. Do not use damp or wet lithium copper. Add pieces to the melt quickly using a plunging rod. Keep additions small and controlled. Lithium compounds in the smoke are mildly irritating — maintain adequate ventilation.

Safety Data (SDS)

Data Sheets

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