Scientists from NUST MISIS develop stronger aluminum

Scientists from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) MISIS have developed a way to strengthen aluminum-based composite materials. Doping aluminum melt with nickel and lanthanum, the scientists created a material combining features of both composite materials and standard alloys: flexibility, strength, and lightness.

"A feature of the new development is the high reinforcing ability of the chemical compounds with ultrafine structure: the diameter of the reinforcing elements does not exceed several tens of nanometers," explained NUST MISIS researcher Torgom Akopyan.

Natural Al-Ni-La crystallization causes particles to be distributed uniformly, forming a reinforcing structure. Hence, the composite becomes stronger and more flexible. According to scientists, the proposed material can be used primarily in the aeronautics and automobile industries, as well as for the design of modern robotics. It also can be used for 3D printing of complex parts.