CSIR-NIIST develops technology for critical Al-Mg-Sc alloys for aerospace, defence systems

In what could prove to be a significant development in India’s quest for high-performance, light-weight alloys for the defence and aerospace sectors, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) here has developed the process know-how for manufacturing aluminium-magnesium-scandium (Al-Mg-Sc) alloys and rolled sheets.

By indigenously developing this technology, NIIST has addressed a “critical supply gap” in scandium-containing aluminium alloys – materials essential for advanced aerospace structures such as aircraft fuselage skins, structural frames and naval applications, C. Anandharamakrishnan, director, CSIR-NIIST said. Such alloys are imported at present.

The technology will be transferred to Mumbai-based Star Alucast on Wednesday in the presence of Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh at the finale of the golden jubilee celebrations of NIIST. The tech transfer marks an important step towards India’s first domestic production of this alloy, according to the NIIST.

Characteristics

What makes Al-Mg-Sc alloys special is that, compared to conventional alloys, they offer higher fatigue strength and fracture toughness and improved corrosion resistance. Additionally, they offer 4-5% weight savings without demanding design changes in the component geometry. These characteristics make them ideal for high-performance strategic applications, the NIIST said. An important feature of these alloys is the addition of scandium which promotes the formation of thermally-stable Al3Sc precipitates.

CSIR-NIIST described the achievement as a significant one in terms of India’s quest for self-reliance in aerospace and defence materials and the overall push for Atmanirbhar Bharat. “This achievement directly supports India’s strategic missions on Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047,” Dr. Ananadharamakrishnan said.

NIIST said the process developed by it covers the entire technology chain – from the design of the alloy composition and melt treatment to ingot casting, optimisation of the hot and cold rolling process and heat-treatment schedules. “The process know-how ensures reproducibility, scalability and compatibility with existing industrial infrastructure,” the CSIR lab said.