MIT's high strength aluminum alloy can withstand high temperature

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel printable aluminum alloy that is reportedly five times stronger than traditionally manufactured aluminum and can withstand high temperatures. Using a machine learning (ML)-based approach combined with simulations, the team evaluated only 40 possible material compositions—significantly fewer than the over one million combinations typically required—to identify an optimal mix of aluminum and other elements. This alloy exhibits a high volume fraction of small precipitates, which contribute to its enhanced strength, surpassing previous benchmarks including the wrought Al 7075 alloy. The new alloy, produced via 3D printing rather than conventional casting, benefits from rapid solidification that prevents precipitate growth, resulting in superior mechanical properties. After aging at 400 °C for eight hours, the alloy achieves a tensile strength of 395 MPa at room temperature, about 50% stronger than the best-known printable aluminum alloys. The researchers envision applications in lightweight, temperature-resistant components such as jet engine fan blades—traditionally made from heavier and more expensive