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Superstrong and lightweight

The high-entropy alloy. Credit: North Carolina State University

Researchers from North Carolina State University in the USA and Qatar University have developed a super-strong mixture of metals that is stronger for its weight than any other.

So-called `high-entropy alloys’ are mixtures of five or more metals in approximately equal amounts. The research team combined lithium, magnesium, titanium, aluminium and scandium.

“The density is comparable to aluminum, but it is stronger than titanium alloys,” says Dr Carl Koch, Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University.

“The strength-to-weight ratio is comparable to some ceramics, but we think it’s tougher – less brittle – than ceramics,” Dr Koch continued.

Strong, lightweight materials can be used to make cars, bicycles and artificial limbs that are strong but light, so need less energy to move around.

The main problem is that the new alloy is made of 20 per cent scandium, which is extremely expensive. The researchers are planning to see whether they can make a similar alloy without scandium that is just as strong or stronger.

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