The group of WANG Haowai has obtained a novel lightweight material suitable for aircraft and space applications by distributing nano ceramic particles into an alumnium alloy. During the process, the size, shape and distribution of the nanoparticles was carefully controlled. The new material is light, exhibits high stiffness and damping, low expansion, and no fatigue. If processed in 3D printers, the parts perform like forged materials. Nano-ceramic aluminum alloys are produced at 1000 t/y in a dedicated company, Anhui Xiangbang Composite Materials Co., and performance is already being investigated in China’s space program and b COMAC, China’s aviation industry.
CAS news release, August 7, 2017
Shanghai Jiaotong University group develops nano ceramic aluminium alloy, suitable for aircrafts