Abstract:
Disclosed is a method of making a treatment composition. A lithium cation and carbon dioxide are combined in an aqueous medium to form the treatment composition comprising lithium carbonate in situ. Also disclosed is a system and method for maintaining a treatment bath formed from a treatment composition comprising lithium carbonate. Carbon dioxide and/or a lithium salt are supplied to the bath in an amount sufficient to maintain the pH of the treatment bath at 9.5 to 12.5, lithium in an amount of 5 ppm to 5,500 ppm (calculated as lithium cation) and carbonate in an amount of 15 ppm to 25,000 ppm (calculated as carbonate) based on total weight of the treatment bath. Sustrates treated with the composition, system and method also are disclosed.