Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed an aluminum alloy that resolves a key dilemma in materials science: simultaneously increasing strength without losing electrical conductivity. Traditionally, strengthening aluminum leads to a reduction in its ability to conduct electric current, which limits its use in the power industry.
A group led by Andrei Pozdnyakov, associate professor of the Department of Physical Metallurgy of Non-Ferrous Metals, proposed an alloying system based on zirconium and rare-earth elements — gadolinium or ytterbium — with an increased content of iron and silicon. Critically important was the thermomechanical processing regime: a combination of rolling and annealing at strictly controlled temperatures forms nanoparticles with a specific crystal structure inside the aluminum matrix. These particles block the movement of dislocations, providing high strength and thermal stability without significant deterioration of electrical conductivity.
Unlike comparable solutions, the development does not require expensive scandium, which reduces cost. Experimental samples demonstrated a yield strength at the level of strengthened alloys with electrical conductivity close to pure aluminum (not lower than 55–58% IACS). The material retained its characteristics after hundreds of hours of thermal exposure at elevated temperatures and showed high corrosion resistance.
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