Room temperature ionic liquids in a heat treatment process for metalsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4ra06901c

Ionic liquids were found to be useful media for quenching of aluminum and steel alloys. In mixtures containing up to 10% w/w water or ethanol they prevent film boiling (Leidenfrost effect) and result in very high and constant cooling rates. The ionic liquids [EMIm][NTf 2 ], [EMIm][EtSO 4 ] and Ammoeng®110 exhibit remarkable stability when metals at temperatures well above the ionic liquid decomposition temperature were quenched. Ionic liquids [EMIm][NTf 2 ] and [EMIm][EtSO 4 ] are almost ideal quenching media for aluminium and steel alloys avoiding Leidenfrost effects.