«Survive» in space and lava: scientists have created a supermetal that can withstand temperatures from -196 °C to 600 °C

Scientists at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea have created a nickel-based alloy that remains strong and flexible even at temperatures ranging from -196 °C to 600 °C.

It is noted that a group of POSTECH scientists led by Professor Heng Sop Kim from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering has developed innovative alloy, called «Hyperadaptor». This alloy shows promise for use in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Most metals, used in industry are highly vulnerable to temperature extremes. Conventional metallic materials are designed to perform well over a limited temperature range. This makes such materials unsuitable for use in extreme temperature conditions.

To solve this problem, POSTECH scientists have developed the concept of «Hyperadaptor». It is a high-entropy nickel-based alloy that does not lose its own mechanical characteristics in the temperature range from -196 °C to 600 °C. This resistance is due to the content of L1₂ phase nanoparticles in the alloy structure, which prevent mechanical deformation and maintain the metal’s flexibility and strength even under extreme conditions.This alloy can be used in rocket and jet engines, automobile exhaust systems, power plant turbines, and pipelines.

This heat resistance covers both the ultra-low temperatures of liquid nitrogen and the high values typical of aircraft or rocket engines. Unlike conventional metal alloys, the new alloy is formed from at least five chemical elements in almost equal proportions. As a result, it has an increased configurational entropy and a special microstructure that ensures its exceptional resistance to thermal deformation.

Are blast furnaces a thing of the past? New environmentally friendly technology extracts metal without fire

The results of the study were published in the journal Materials Research Letters

Source: SciTechDaily