Scientists from the University of Science and Technology MISiS have developed a new alloy for car engines. It consists of 89% aluminum, 8% calcium, 2% manganese, and 1% nickel.
Our Al-Ca-Ni-Mn alloy is highly technological in the production of not only shaped castings, but also deformed semi-finished products. It was previously thought that these were mutually exclusive characteristics. High hardening temperatures and the absence of easily fusible phases provide increased heat resistance of these alloys compared to silumins. This property allows the manufacture of stronger and more durable pistons for internal combustion engines.
The alloy created by Russian scientists surpasses the widely used silumin alloy.
Aluminum-calcium alloys, unlike silumins, have reduced density, a successful combination of mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance, and the combined introduction of manganese and nickel additives contributes to the strengthening of the alloy. Calcium allows to bind manganese and nickel in triple compounds, which have a favorable compact morphology and do not have a negative impact on mechanical properties, in particular, plasticity.