Superelastic alloy functions in extreme temperatures
Researchers at Tohoku University have led the development of a titanium-aluminium (Ti-Al) superelastic alloy that is not only lightweight but also strong, offering the capability to function across a broad temperature range — from as low as -269°C, the temperature of liquid helium, to 127°C, which is above the boiling point of water. Their work has been reported in the journal Nature.
Currently, most shape-memory alloys — materials capable of regaining their original shape after force is removed — are limited to specific temperature ranges. The Ti-Al-based alloy overcomes this limitation, offering applicability in fields that require materials with exceptional strength and flexibility.
The research team employed advanced techniques such as rational alloy design and precise microstructure control. By using phase diagrams, the researchers were able to select alloy components and their proportions. Additionally, they optimised processing and heat treatment methods to achieve the desired material properties.
“This alloy is the first of its kind to maintain superelasticity at such an extreme range of temperatures while remaining lightweight and strong, which opens up a variety of practical applications that were not possible before,” said Sheng Xu, an Assistant Professor at Tohoku University’s Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences.
“The alloy’s properties make it ideal for future space missions, such as creating superelastic tires for lunar rovers to navigate the extreme temperature fluctuations on the Moon’s surface.”
The alloy’s flexibility at extremely low temperatures makes it a promising material for use in various industries, including hydrogen, space exploration and more. It can also be used in everyday applications requiring flexibility, such as medical devices like stents. Furthermore, the implications of the study extend beyond immediate practical applications.
“This discovery not only sets a new standard for superelastic materials but also introduces new principles for material design, which will undoubtedly inspire further breakthroughs in materials science,” Xu said.
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