Scientists used nanoscale diamond to create new aluminium alloy in a lab experiment

Scientists from London's Brunel University and Tomsk State University made an experiment in which they successfully added nanoscale diamond to melted aluminium to create new aluminium alloy. The researchers said in a media statement that the new alloy would be suitable for maritime transport. This is the first time that aluminium alloys are synthesized with nanodiamonds for a material experiment.

"Nanoscale diamond is a powder of diamonds, with a particle size of several nanometers. Master alloys are auxiliary alloys used to introduce other elements into the liquid metal. In this experiment, they are rods that will later be quite convenient and technologically advanced for use in production," the statement said.

The aluminium alloy that was produced in the experiment is of high quality, without pores or defects. The addition of nanoparticles into the alloy has not degraded the quality of the starting material and rather improved it.

"The production of new light alloys based on aluminium with enhanced characteristics is an urgent task for materials science. The introduction of even a small amount of nanoparticles (less than 1%) can lead to a significant increase in the physical and mechanical properties of inexpensive aluminium alloys,” the scientists said.

The scientists involved in the experiment said that the new aluminium alloy can be used in aerospace, automotive as well space industries. The material will be suitable for use in chassis, interior decoration, and other elements not related to the engines or gearboxes. It is also expected in helping weight reduction and improving vehicle safety parameters.