Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have made a breakthrough in the production of nanostructured high entropy alloys, which have immense potential for use in industries like aerospace and automotive due to their strength and stability at high temperatures. These alloys are typically expensive and energy-intensive to produce, but the team has discovered a more cost-effective and scalable method using electrodeposition.
Led by materials engineer Michel Haché, the team found that electrodeposition, a process that involves pulling metal ions out of water using an electric current to form solid materials, is a viable way to create these alloys. By combining nickel, iron, cobalt, tungsten, and molybdenum, the researchers were able to produce alloys that could withstand temperatures up to 500°C, surpassing the capabilities of traditional metals.
Interestingly, the team discovered that adding more elements to the alloys increased their strength and thermal stability, up to a certain point. However, adding a fifth element did not result in further improvements, leading them to conclude that working with fewer elements could be more efficient and cost-effective.
The applications for these advanced alloys are vast, from producing tools to parts for high-temperature and high-stress environments in the automotive and aerospace industries. Haché believes that these alloys offer a way to push materials to their limits and unlock new possibilities in engineering. The findings have been published in the journal Surface and Coatings Technology, paving the way for exciting commercial applications in the future.
