An illustration shows the novel high-strength aluminum alloy demonstrating exceptional resistance to high temperatures. /Tianjin University
An illustration shows the novel high-strength aluminum alloy demonstrating exceptional resistance to high temperatures. /Tianjin University
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a high-strength aluminum alloy that remains operational even at 500 degrees Celsius.
This advancement has extended the service temperature range of aluminum alloys from 350 to over 400 degrees Celsius, addressing a long-standing engineering challenge.
The demands of the aerospace industry have set higher standards for thermal resistance in lightweight metal materials.
This innovative process is characterized by its simplicity, minimal material costs and scalability, making it highly valuable for industrial applications, said He Chunnian from Tianjin University, the corresponding author of the paper.
Although aluminum alloys are favored for their low density, high strength and robust corrosion resistance, their relatively low heat-resistance poses a considerable challenge, especially within the crucial temperature range of 350 to 500 degrees Celsius, which is pivotal for aerospace applications.
Researchers at Tianjin University synthesized aluminum alloys embedded with highly dispersive nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have grown in-situ graphene-like coatings, which significantly contribute to a reduction in surface energy.
Thanks to the incorporation of these nanoparticles, the alloys exhibit exceptional creep resistance at elevated temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius, according to the study published recently in the journal Nature Materials.
They also boast an impressive tensile strength of approximately 200 megapascals at that temperature, about six times higher than ordinary aluminum alloys.
(With input from Xinhua)