A team of scientists from the Chinese mainland has achieved a significant breakthrough in materials engineering by developing a high-strength aluminum alloy that remains operational even at temperatures soaring up to 500 degrees Celsius. This new alloy pushes the service temperature range of traditional aluminum alloys from 350 degrees to over 400 degrees Celsius, effectively tackling a persistent challenge in the aerospace sector.
As the aerospace industry demands lighter yet more thermally resilient materials, the limitations of standard aluminum alloys—namely their low heat resistance—have become apparent. The innovative approach employed by the researchers at Tianjin University involved embedding highly dispersive nanoparticles within the aluminum matrix. These nanoparticles grow in-situ graphene-like coatings, leading to a substantial reduction in surface energy.
The result is an aluminum alloy that not only maintains its structural integrity at higher temperatures but also exhibits remarkable creep resistance. According to the study published recently in Nature Materials, the alloy demonstrated an impressive tensile strength of approximately 200 megapascals at 500 degrees Celsius, which is about six times higher than that of ordinary aluminum alloys.
He Chunnian from Tianjin University, the paper's corresponding author, highlighted that the process is characterized by its simplicity, low material costs, and scalability, making it highly valuable for industrial applications. This advancement opens new avenues for the use of aluminum alloys in high-temperature environments, paving the way for more efficient and durable aerospace components.
Reference(s):
China develops heat-resistant aluminum alloy for aerospace application
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