Low-cost Niobium-based Alloy for Ultrahigh Temperature Applications

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a refractory niobium-based complex concentrated alloy designed for exceptional strength and durability at ultrahigh temperatures with a significantly reduced material’s cost.

Full Description

This technology introduces a novel niobium-based refractory complex concentrated alloy composed primarily of niobium, tantalum, titanium, and vanadium in specific atomic proportions, engineered to deliver superior mechanical performance at temperatures meeting or exceeding C-103 and conventional nickel-based superalloys. The alloy features a body-centered cubic crystal structure and exhibits high yield and tensile strengths at room temperature and elevated temperatures up to 1300°C, combined with improved specific strength and structural stability.

Applications

• Gas turbine engine components, including turbine blades. 
• Aerospace structural parts requiring high-temperature durability. 
• Energy sector equipment exposed to extreme thermal and mechanical conditions. 
• Advanced manufacturing of refractory alloy-based structural components.

Features/Benefits

• Withstands ultrahigh temperatures. 
• Provides superior 0.2% offset yield strength. 
• Maintains outstanding ultimate tensile strength at elevated temperatures. 
• Reduces costs by minimizing reliance on expensive elements such as hafnium through optimized alloy composition. 
• Achieves a strong balance between strength and ductility, overcoming limitations of traditional RCCAs. 
• Enhances structural integrity with a single-phase body-centered cubic crystal structure. 
• Lowers component weight with reduced density. 
• Surpasses temperature limitations of nickel-based superalloys in high-temperature turbine and aerospace applications. 
• Resolves cost and strength issues present in niobium alloys containing hafnium. 
• Improves ductility and formability compared to many other high-strength refractory complex concentrated alloys.

Patent Status

Patent Pending