Moscow Polytech Researchers Develop Materials for Ships and Stations in the Arctic Region
Researchers at Moscow Polytech are creating a new class of aluminium alloys with multifunctional protective coatings for equipment operating in Arctic conditions. The work is supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation and is expected to offer shipbuilding and Arctic infrastructure a lighter, more corrosion‑resistant alternative to existing materials, according to TASS .
The research is funded under the Russian Science Foundation’s Presidential Program for Research Projects, specifically the 2023 competition for “Research Conducted Using Existing World‑Class Scientific Infrastructure.” The project runs from 2023 to 2026 and is led by Andrey Aksenov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, and Advisor to the Rector of Moscow Polytech.
At the heart of the research are aluminium alloys of the Al‑Mg‑Ca‑Mn system. These are intended to replace conventional industrial alloys such as the AMg series. The new alloys are designed to match them in workability and corrosion resistance while having a lower density due to their composition. For structures operating at sea or on Arctic platforms, reducing material weight offers a significant practical advantage.
As project leader Andrey Aksenov explained, adding calcium to aluminium alloys leads to the formation of a dispersed eutectic structure. This simultaneously improves strength, casting properties, and corrosion resistance. The addition of manganese and magnesium helps balance the composition and produces a wrought material suitable for manufacturing using standard industrial equipment.
“The Arctic imposes fundamentally different demands on materials compared to temperate latitudes. Low temperatures, high humidity, salt water, and mechanical stress from ice mean that conventional materials degrade much faster under these conditions. That is why we are working on two fronts: we are creating a new alloy with improved baseline properties, and we are additionally protecting its surface with a ceramic‑like coating,” noted Andrey Aksenov.
The coatings are applied to the surface of components made from the new alloys, increasing hardness and slowing corrosion. Corrosion remains one of the main problems for metal structures in marine environments, and a specialised coating can significantly extend the service life of these components.
To date, the researchers have selected the optimal compositions for the new alloys, studied their structure and mechanical properties, determined the conditions for applying protective coatings, and tested their resistance to corrosion and wear. All key project milestones have been achieved, and the results have been published in international peer‑reviewed journals.
The work is carried out in collaboration with aluminium industry enterprises, including RUSAL. The current stage is expected to produce large‑scale wrought billets using standard industrial equipment. Based on the results, the team plans to apply for a two‑year extension of the project. If approved, the new materials will undergo pilot‑scale testing directly in Arctic conditions.
The new alloys are primarily intended for drifting research stations, permanent weather stations, Arctic platforms, icebreakers, cargo ships, and military vessels. They will be used for deck structures and components that come into contact with water.
