Lithium Uses: Glass and Ceramics
Lithium uses go beyond car batteries
Lithium is about much more than batteries. Consumer electronics and electric vehicles account for only half of global lithium consumption. Surprisingly, lithium uses are diverse.
This misconception helps shape lithium market prices. Some believe undersupply is responsible for recent stagnation. Meanwhile, others suggest the world’s largest lithium consumer is responsible.
China is the world’s leading lithium importer
It has recently invested in lithium extraction projects of its own. Some of these projects are starting to bear fruit.
But lithium uses go beyond batteries. Lithium market price is closely tied to green transportation. Yes, EV manufacturers influence these valuations but don’t tell the whole story.
Now, let’s look at lithium uses in glass and ceramics.
Lithium Uses in Ceramics and Glass
Little-known lithium uses – Blue ceramic pottery in Okinawa
1) Reduces Thermal Expansion
Take a look at that family heirloom in your hallway. Why doesn’t it expand in the summertime?
Lithium is responsible.
Glass-ceramic cooktops are the best example of this. Lithium holds the moulding in place. As a result, no thermal resistance or expansion.
2) Increases Mould Strength
Lithium increases ceramic body strength. This improves durability.
So, go ahead and place that 20-year-old pot on a wobbly pillar in the front hall.
3) Ensures Colour Consistency
When applied to mixtures like cement, lithium reduces colour change. Without it, base ceramic colours influence colouration.
That’s why the hallway pot remains the same colour after all these years.
4) Improves Durability
Lithium is a major reason why windows don’t wilt under pressure. Normal windows are double-glazed, with two glass panes separated by an air gap. This helps with insulation and soundproofing.
Lithium is used to insulate windows from the sun
However, better windows use lithium. A thin layer of the lightest metal on earth keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer
5) Increases Melt Rate and Lowers Viscosity
Lithium drastically reduces corrosion rates. It also ensures glass erodes slowly. Converting to an oxide while heating, lithium improves the physical properties of your kitchen window.
So, you can thank lithium for your ovenware. Without it, baked goods would be harder to make.
Now you know: lithium glass and lithium ceramics colour your world.
Lithium Market Price and Lithium Uses
Electric vehicles are expected to become more valuable. However, lithium exploration projects in Argentina aren’t exclusively tied to batteries.
Now you know: Ceramics and glass have played a major role in day-to-day life for decades.
Many technological advances in these areas are because of lithium. Even if you’ve never driven a Tesla, know that lithium affects your life every time you look outside your office window.
Or reach for that last cupcake.
Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of lithium experts with a finger on the pulse of clean energy news, Ultra Lithium is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V:ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).