Ultra-lightweight metals save aircraft weight, fuel and emissions

Filed in archive Materials on December 14, 2005

A team at the University of Liverpool has devised a new manufacturing process for fabricating metals by weaving them into ultra-fine lattice structures weighing just half as much as conventional steel or titanium, yet maintaining their inherent strength. These next-generation metals could find uses in the electronics, automotive and aerospace industries. According to a press release from the UK' s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), " aircraft parts could be produced that are over 50% lighter than conventional alternatives. The reduction in aircraft weight would cut fuel requirements, bringing down the cost of air travel and reducing the emissions produced by the combustion of aviation fuels that are a major contributor to climate change. " And unlike so many nanomaterial breakthroughs that " could one day lead to new products " , the Liverpool group has acquired funding from EPSRC and MCP (Mining and Chemical Products) Ltd to begin commercial production next year. more @ epsrc.ac.uk