NASA has created an advanced alloy called GRX-810 that can be used to make solid parts for aircraft and spacecraft.
This alloy Chromium, cobalt and nickel (NiCoCr, considered the hardest so far) is a mixture of small particles to which NASA has added oxygen atoms, which increases its strength and resistance. Compared to state-of-the-art superalloys manufactured by 3D printing, The GRX-810 is twice as strong and resistant to oxidation and more than a thousand times more durable. In addition, it is able to withstand high temperatures, which makes it ideal for extreme environments.
NASA and Ohio State University published an article in the journal Nature detailing the characteristics of this new material. GRX-810 is expected to be one of the most successful technology patents produced by NASA Glenn in the near future.
The combination of the different properties of the GRX-810 is what makes it stand out as a super alloy. This oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloy contains small particles that contain evenly distributed oxygen atoms, which increases its strength, NASA explains. What makes it even more exceptional is that its increase in strength does not decrease its ability to stretch and bend before breaking.
To make the new material, NASA used 3D printing, which allowed the nanoscale oxides to be evenly distributed throughout the alloy, improving its high-temperature properties and long-lasting performance. This manufacturing process is more efficient, cost-effective, and cleaner than conventional methods.
GRX-810 has the potential to significantly improve the strength and durability of components and parts used in aviation and space exploration, which is especially important in parts that must withstand high temperatures, such as aircraft and rocket engines.
Dispersion oxide reinforced alloys, such as GRX-810, are very interesting for the construction of aerospace parts, because they can withstand more extreme conditions before reaching their breaking point.
Current superalloys of metals can withstand a temperature of more than 1000 degrees Celsius; according to NASA; GRX-810 is twice as strong, rust resistant, and more than a thousand times more durable than these compounds.
