Moscow Polytechnic University Developing Materials for Arctic Ships and Stations
Moscow Polytechnic University scientists are creating a new class of aluminum alloys with multifunctional protective coatings for equipment operating in Arctic conditions. The development is being carried out under a grant from the Russian Science Foundation and should provide the shipbuilding and Arctic infrastructure industries with a lighter, more corrosion-resistant alternative to existing materials, according to TASS.
The research is funded by the Russian Science Foundation's Presidential Research Projects Program (RSF)—the 2023 competition for "Conducting Research Based on Existing World-Class Scientific Infrastructure." The work is scheduled to run from 2023 to 2026. Andrey Aksyonov, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor, and Advisor to the Rector of Moscow Polytech leads the project.
The research focuses on Al-Mg-Ca-Mn alloys. They are expected to be used as a replacement for traditional industrial alloys such as AMg. The new alloys should be comparable in terms of processability and corrosion resistance, but due to their compositional characteristics, they will have a lower density. For structures operating at sea or on Arctic platforms, the weight reduction is a significant practical advantage.
As project manager Andrey Aksyonov explained, the introduction of calcium into aluminum alloys leads to the formation of a dispersed eutectic in the structure, which simultaneously improves strength, castability, and corrosion resistance. The addition of manganese and magnesium helps balance the composition and produce a deformable material suitable for production on mass-produced industrial equipment.
"The Arctic places fundamentally different demands on materials than temperate latitudes. Low temperatures, high humidity, salt water, and mechanical stress from ice—in such conditions, conventional materials deteriorate much faster. That's why we're working in two directions simultaneously: creating a new alloy with improved basic properties and additionally protecting its surface with a ceramic-like coating," noted Andrey Aksyonov. Coatings are applied to the surfaces of new alloys, increasing hardness and slowing corrosion. Corrosion remains a major problem for metal structures in marine environments, and special coatings can significantly extend the service life of these products.
To date, researchers have selected the optimal compositions of the new alloys, studied their structure and mechanical properties, determined the application modes for the protective coatings, and tested their resistance to corrosion and wear. All key project milestones have been met, and the results have been published in international peer-reviewed journals.
The work is being conducted jointly with aluminum industry companies, including JSC RUSAL. The current stage should result in the production of large-sized deformed blanks on standard equipment. Based on the results of this work, the team plans to apply for a two-year extension of the project, at which point the new materials will undergo pilot testing in Arctic conditions. The new alloys are intended primarily for drifting research stations, weather stations, Arctic platforms, icebreakers, cargo and military vessels – as a material for deck structures and products operating in contact with water.
