Scientists from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) have achieved a significant breakthrough in materials science with the development of a new aluminium composite capable of withstanding temperatures up to 600°C. This pioneering material, reinforced with titanium fiber, far exceeds the heat tolerance of existing aluminium alloys, which typically lose strength above 300°C.
According to Dmitry Ivanov, the project leader, this innovative composite retains its strength at temperatures nearing the melting point of aluminium, a feat that sets it apart from current materials used in high-temperature environments. Traditionally, titanium alloys and steel have been the materials of choice for such conditions due to their durability at high temperatures, but they add significant weight to structures.
The lightweight nature of aluminium, combined with the strength provided by titanium fiber reinforcement, allows this new composite to offer a desirable balance of low weight and high strength. The integration of titanium fibers not only enhances the composite’s resistance to cracking but also arrests the progression of any cracks that might form, by bridging the gaps at the boundaries of the matrix layers.
This unique hybrid structure of the aluminium matrix composite opens up potential applications in various industries, including aerospace and automotive, where high strength-to-weight ratios are crucial. The development team at MAI has already secured a patent for their production method, paving the way for future commercialization and use of this advanced material in engineering and design. 
