Heat-resistant aluminium alloys able to operate at 500 degrees Celsius developed in China

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a novel high-strength aluminium alloy that remains operational even at staggering 500 degrees Celsius, Xinhua reports

The advancement has extended the service temperature range of aluminium alloys from 350 to over 400 degrees Celsius, addressing a long-standing engineering challenge. As noted by specialists, the demands of the aerospace industry have set higher standards for the thermal resistance of lightweight metal materials.

Although aluminium alloys are favoured for their low density, superior strength and robust corrosion resistance, their relatively low heat-resistance posed 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 synthesised aluminium alloys embedded with highly-dispersive nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have in-situ grown graphene-like coatings, which significantly contribute to a substantial 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. Also, they boast an impressive tensile strength of approximately 200 megapascals at that temperature, about six times higher than ordinary aluminium alloys.

As noted by Professor He Chunnian from Tianjin University, who authored the paper, this innovative process is characterised by its simplicity, minimal material costs, and scalability, making it highly valuable for industrial applications.