Super-hard metal helps build futuristic spacecraft

US scientists have successfully synthesized a new metal that promises to change the car, aircraft, and spacecraft industry.

Material scientists at the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US have made a super-hard, ultra-light alloy, according to a study published today in the journal Nature. The hardness-to-weight ratio of alloys is far superior to most alloys currently in use.

The emphasis of this particular alloy is just the beginning of a series of breakthrough inventions of new materials after they mastered the technique of dispersing nanoparticles in the metal. without altering the original structure of the metal.

Future spacecraft can be built from super-hard metal and new lightweight. (Photo: NASA).

"In theory, nanoparticles can enhance the durability of a metal without reducing its elasticity, especially for light metals such as magnesium." However, this is the first time nanoparticles have been Successfully dispersed in molten metal , " said Professor Xiaochun Li at UCLA.

"Using the doping principle and material handling techniques, our results open up a new way to improve the performance of various metals, meeting the energy challenges. and sustainable development of the present society, " Li said.

After processing, the researchers tried to mix a large amount of nanoparticles into magnesium. The material obtained showed a significant improvement in strength, stiffness, elasticity, and heat resistance.

Previous research has shown that ceramic nanoparticles, when introduced into metal, tend to concentrate together rather than disperse evenly, making the metal harder but less elastic. The team solves this problem by dispersing the nanoparticles in molten alloys of magnesium and zinc.

Magnesium is plentiful in nature, allowing for large-scale technology applications. The scientists hope to be able to quickly develop industrial applications of the new metal. "The results we have obtained so far are just the outer shell of the treasure hiding a new generation of metals with breakthroughs in character and function, " Li said.