In a remarkable advancement for space materials science, Chinese scientists have unveiled significant discoveries related to high-performance refractory alloys conducted aboard China’s orbiting space station. The findings, announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization on Wednesday, mark a substantial leap forward in understanding materials that can withstand extreme temperatures.
The research team from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) has been at the forefront of this exploration. Since April 2021, they have prepared over ten types of high-performance refractory alloy samples, subjecting them to six rounds of in-orbit experiments using the space station’s containerless experiment cabinet. This unique apparatus suspends samples in microgravity to prevent shape alterations that could occur from contact with container surfaces.
These experiments conducted under microgravity conditions have included electrostatic levitation, solidification, heating and melting processes, as well as determining the thermophysical properties of the alloys. High-performance refractory alloys are rare metals with melting points exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, making them crucial for applications requiring materials that can endure ultra-high temperatures.
“Through our analysis of the returned samples, we have determined the key properties of refractory alloys at ultra-high temperatures,” said Professor Wang Haipeng from NPU, a member of the research team. “Our results include a series of new discoveries with important scientific value.”
This breakthrough has significant implications for industries reliant on materials that perform under extreme conditions, such as aerospace, nuclear energy, and advanced manufacturing. The ability to study these alloys in the unique environment of space provides insights unattainable through Earth-based experiments.
The success of these experiments highlights China’s growing capabilities in space science and materials research, opening new avenues for innovation and collaboration within the global scientific community.
Reference(s):
Chinese scientists report progress in research aboard space station
cgtn.com
