Purdue University material engineers have developed a groundbreaking method to create ultrahigh-strength aluminum alloys with exceptional plastic deformability. This innovation opens up new possibilities in industries like aerospace and automobile manufacturing, where lightweight, high-strength materials are crucial.
The research, led by Haiyan Wang and Xinghang Zhang, introduced transition metals cobalt, iron, nickel, and titanium into aluminum through nanoscale, laminated intermetallics. This approach enhances the strength and deformability of the alloys, a unique combination that traditional aluminum alloys lack.
The team’s work, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications, demonstrates how the introduction of heterogenous microstructures and nanoscale intermetallics can revolutionize the design of aluminum alloys for additive manufacturing. These alloys exhibit strengths exceeding 900 megapascals, far surpassing current commercially available options.
Industry partners interested in leveraging this technology are encouraged to contact Purdue’s Office of Technology Commercialization. The patent-pending process developed by the Purdue researchers has the potential to transform the production of high-strength aluminum alloys and drive innovation in various sectors.
This breakthrough highlights Purdue University’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of materials engineering and advancing technological solutions with real-world applications. The team’s success in creating these ultrahigh-strength aluminum alloys represents a significant milestone in the field of additive manufacturing.
