ISS experiment could enable cheaper, stronger materials for global infrastructure

Saarland University researchers plan ISS experiments to study nickel-niobium alloys at extreme temperatures, potentially creating stronger, lighter materials that reduce infrastructure costs.

Saarland University researchers led by materials scientist Ralf Busch will conduct ISS experiments on nickel-niobium and nickel-niobium-sulfur alloys. The study, partnering with the European Space Agency and German Aerospace Center, aims to measure material properties like surface tension and thermal expansion in microgravity at temperatures up to 1,700°C. Metallic glasses produced from these alloys are stronger than steel and can be injection-molded or 3D printed—potentially lowering infrastructure costs and enabling lightweight, durable goods globally. The experiment is scheduled for late 2023.

This work could advance SUSTENANCE by reducing material costs for infrastructure, and MOBILITY through lighter vehicle components. The source lists a publication date of August 19, 2026 (likely a typo for 2023), but the experiment remains planned for late 2023. The full impact on abundance depends on successful scaling of these materials beyond the ISS test.

Source: Phys.org