© РИА Томск. Павел Стефанский
TOMSK, Jan 8 –
RIA Tomsk. Nikolay Kakhidze, graduate student of Tomsk State University Faculty of Physics and Engineering (FPE TSU) proposed to
replace expensive scandium used in shipbuilding for hardening aluminum alloys
with diamond or aluminum oxide nanoparticles; it is expected new material will
cost four times cheaper, the university’s press service told RIA Tomsk.
It is noted that
shipbuilding workers seek to replace heavy steel with light and ultra-light
materials, which increases the carrying capacity of ships, increases their
mobility and reduces fuel consumption. The decision was aluminomatric composite
materials modified with scandium. However, the cost of scandium is quite high,
and experts are looking for a more affordable modifier.
"The
graduate student of FPE TSU Nikolay Kakhidze proposed to use diamond or
aluminium oxide nanoparticles as an alternative to expensive scandium to harden
aluminum alloys. The new material – nanocomposite – at the most rigorous
calculations will cost 4 times cheaper than the scandium-containing analogue
with fairly close physical and mechanical properties", – is said in the
message.
The project was
supported by the "UMNIK" program of the Foundation for Assistance to
Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE), 500 thousand rubles were allocated for
its implementation. The scientist’s task will be to develop a method for the
correct introduction of nanopowders into a metal melt.
© РИА Томск. Павел Стефанский
It is explained
that when directly introduced into the melt, the nanoparticles coalesce into
agglomerates, form pores around themselves, and instead of hardening particles,
unwanted impurities are obtained. Kakhidze, using the experience of colleagues,
suggested to evenly distribute nanopowders in micro-sized aluminum powder and
synthesizing a ligature from this mixture, which is introduced into the melt
when exposed to external fields – for a uniform distribution of nanoparticles.
Kakhidze plans
to receive the first experimental batches of ligatures with nanoparticles for
their subsequent introduction into the melt by the end of 2020, and in 2021 it
is planned to receive experimental castings and protect intellectual property
rights.