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| Tantalum |
Patent-granted material developed with U.S. Army shows unprecedented strength at 800°C
A new copper-based alloy developed in the United States, with contributions from several universities and the U.S. Army, could transform high-temperature industrial and defence applications. The patented alloy maintains over 1 GPa of strength even at 800°C, outperforming many conventional high-performance materials.
Composed of ~91.8% copper, 8.1% tantalum, and a trace amount of lithium, the alloy’s nanostructure is its breakthrough. Nanoscale copper-lithium crystals, coated with two atomic layers of tantalum, act as anchors that prevent atomic slippage, a primary cause of metal weakening under heat.
“This type of structure gives the material stability even under extreme heat,” researchers stated.
Potential Game-Changer for Aerospace and Defence
The alloy's heat retention properties—confirmed after 10,000+ hours at 800°C without degradation—make it a candidate for next-gen rocket engine components, hypersonic missile parts, and heat exchangers. Although not suited for the hottest zones in aerospace engines, it offers a low-cost alternative to nickel- and tungsten-based superalloys in less extreme sections.
Researchers highlight that existing systems may not be easily retrofitted, but the material could reshape future engineering designs, particularly where lightweight and heat-resistant metals are essential.
The study, published in Science, was co-led by B.C. Hornbuckle of the U.S. Army, Martin Harmer, Kiran Solanki, and Kris Darling.
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