The strength of materials is one of the key factors determining their use in various fields of engineering and industry. In this article, we will look at the most durable metals, alloys and unique materials that are used to create modern technical solutions.
Pure metals with high strength
Although many pure metals do not have outstanding strength, they are the basis for creating heavy-duty alloys. Let's consider the most durable ones:
- Iron — tensile strength 250 MPa. In its pure form, iron does not have high strength, but in combination with carbon and other chemical elements, it becomes the basis for creating various steels that are used in all industries.
- Nickel — tensile strength 400 MPa. Although nickel's strength is low, its alloys are highly resistant to thermal effects and mechanical loads, which makes them popular in the manufacture of turbines, reactors and other high-tech equipment.
- Titan — tensile strength 600 MPa. Even in its pure form, titanium has significant strength. Titanium alloys are widely used in the aerospace industry and medicine due to their high resistance to corrosion and low weight.
- Wolfram — tensile strength of 1200 MPa. Known for its fire resistance, resistance to corrosion and mechanical damage, tungsten is used in the manufacture of high-temperature furnaces, rocket engines and cutting tools.
- Rhenium — tensile strength 1350 MPa. Rhenium is used in the production of superalloys for high-temperature applications.
- Iridium — tensile strength 1670 MPa. Due to its exceptional strength, Iridium is used in specialized scientific and industrial fields.
Rhenium and iridium are leading in terms of strength, which makes them irreplaceable in technology that requires maximum resistance to high temperatures and mechanical loads.
Alloys: unique metal combinations
The combination of different metals in alloys makes it possible to achieve levels of strength that are impossible when using individual elements. Let's look at some of the strongest alloys:
- Tungsten alloys — resistant to extreme temperatures and heavy mechanical loads. They begin to melt at 2780°C and withstand temperatures up to 800°C during machining, which makes them indispensable in cutting and drilling equipment, as well as in the production of parts for aviation and space.
- Vanadium steel — a particularly promising alloy with a strength of 5200 MPa. It is used in military and space industry due to its ability to withstand heavy loads.
- β-Ti3Au titanium and gold alloy — It combines high strength and corrosion resistance, which makes it ideal for use in medicine and high-precision instruments, but it is expensive.
Alloys based on pure metals provide engineers and designers with the opportunity to develop materials that are not only stronger than conventional metals, but also have additional properties, such as heat resistance and corrosion resistance.
Innovative durable materials
In addition to metals and alloys, there are a number of unique materials with exceptional strength characteristics that are actively used.
- Caerostris Darwini spider fishing nets — The Caerostris Darwini spider weaves unique fishing nets that are incredibly durable. They can reach several meters in diameter and are able to catch even small birds.
The secret of the strength of this type of web lies in the special composition of the silk secreted by the spider. It contains a large amount of resilin protein, which ensures the elasticity and firmness of the threads. Due to this property, the web can stretch to 40-50% of its original length without breaking.
- Kevlar — heavy-duty fiber that is used in the manufacture of car tires, brake pads, cables, prostheses and orthopedic products, body armor, and protective clothing. Kevlar is also widely used in shipbuilding and in the manufacture of parts for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Kevlar is able to withstand loads 8 times more than steel wire, and begins to melt at a temperature of 450°C. Kevlar fibers have a high level of mechanical strength in the range from 2700 to 5400 MPa. This is significantly more than even the strongest steels, which range from 500 to 1500 MPa.
- Carbon nanotubes are tiny cylindrical structures consisting of one or more layers of carbon atoms. Due to their unique atomic structure, they have exceptional mechanical properties, including incredible strength.
The carbon atoms in nanotubes are arranged in the form of hexagons, which gives the material ultra-high stability and strength. Due to these properties, carbon nanotubes are used in various fields, such as the production of composite materials, electronics, and even medicine.
These unique materials demonstrate how nature and modern technologies can create substances with outstanding mechanical properties, which are opening up new horizons in various fields, from medicine to space research.
Durable materials manufactured by PZPS
St. Petersburg Precision Alloy Plant produces a number of popular materials with unique properties necessary for solving complex technological problems:
- Precision alloys — belts for elastic elements made of alloys 40KHNM, 36NHTYU et 17HNGT They have a strength of up to 1770 MPa, which makes them ideal for creating accurate and reliable mechanisms.
- Corrosion resistant steels — alloys 12X18N9, 12X18H10T et 12X18N9SMR with a strength of up to 1000 MPa, they ensure the durability and resistance of products in aggressive environments.
- Heat-resistant and heat-resistant alloys — 20X13 et HN78T are suitable for operation at high temperatures, ensuring the reliability and durability of equipment.
PZPS is an enterprise that is actively developing and develops unique materials for various industries. The company's products are of high quality and reliability, which makes it possible to successfully solve problems of any complexity, even the most extreme operating conditions.
For more information about our products et services please call the specified phone numbers or leave a request on the website. We are always ready to help you choose the best materials for your production tasks and innovative projects.
