Scientists at the Russian National University of Science and Technology MISIS in Moscow, Russia have mixed aluminum melt with nickel and lanthanum to create a new material that combines the advantages of composite materials and standard alloys: Very flexible, strong and lightweight. Faster and lighter aircraft and vehicles require lighter materials, and one of the most promising materials is aluminum, or aluminum-based composites.
Today, aluminum is mainly strengthened by using nanoparticles, but the process is very expensive and time consuming, and the end result may not be satisfactory. For example, the strength may only increase by 5% to 20%, while indicators such as plasticity may decrease by 10% or even several times. In addition, the nanoparticles themselves are too large, from 100 nanometers to 1-2 micrometers, and their volume percentages are very small.
The National University of Science and Technology's solution solves the problems of uneven reinforcement and low density of powder composites. If the melting process is used, the particle diameter of Al-Ni-La crystals will not exceed 30 to 70 nm . Due to the natural crystallization, the particles are evenly distributed, forming an enhanced structure. As a result, the composite will be stronger and more flexible than analogs with powder reinforced materials.
According to scientists, this material is mainly suitable for the aerospace and automotive industries, as well as for the design of modern robots such as helicopters, because reducing the weight of drones is critical.
Because the structure is very special, the material can also be used for complex parts manufactured by 3D printing. In addition, from an economic perspective, it may bring strategic significance. At present, the main profit of the Russian aluminum industry comes from the export of primary aluminum, and the production of new high-tech aluminum materials with added value can allow Russia to expand the domestic and foreign aluminum consumption markets and increase revenue.