Surface texture formed on AA2099 Al-Li-Cu alloy during alkaline etching

► Alkaline etching generates surface texture on AA2099 aluminium alloy. ► The texture is associated with Cu-rich nanoparticles in the Cu-enriched layer. ► The initial development of the nanotexture is grain orientation dependant. ► Smut formed on the alloy surface affects the stabilization of the texture.