In a monumental leap for India’s defense and aerospace industries, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram has successfully engineered the sophisticated process for creating high-performance, lightweight aluminium-magnesium-scandium (Al-Mg-Sc) alloys and their corresponding rolled sheets.
This indigenous development by NIIST directly tackles a crucial shortage of scandium-containing aluminium alloys, which are currently imported. These advanced materials are indispensable for building cutting-edge aerospace structures, including aircraft fuselage skins, structural frames, and vital naval components, as highlighted by C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST.
The groundbreaking technology is slated for transfer to Mumbai-based Star Alucast on Wednesday, an event coinciding with the grand finale of NIIST’s golden jubilee celebrations. Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh will preside over this significant tech transfer, which heralds India’s inaugural domestic production of this advanced alloy, according to officials at NIIST.
Unveiling Superior Properties
These Al-Mg-Sc alloys stand out due to their exceptional properties compared to traditional alloys. They boast superior fatigue strength, enhanced fracture toughness, and remarkable corrosion resistance. Furthermore, they offer an impressive 4-5% reduction in weight without necessitating any design alterations in the component’s geometry. Such characteristics render them perfectly suited for demanding, high-performance strategic applications, as confirmed by NIIST. The key to these superior traits lies in the addition of scandium, which facilitates the formation of highly stable Al3Sc precipitates.
CSIR-NIIST proudly labels this achievement as a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aerospace and defense materials, aligning perfectly with the nation’s broader vision for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). Dr. Anandharamakrishnan emphasized, “This accomplishment directly underpins India’s strategic goals for Atmanirbhar Bharat and a developed India by 2047 (Viksit Bharat @2047).”
The comprehensive process developed by NIIST spans the entire technological spectrum, from meticulous alloy composition design and melt treatment to precise ingot casting, optimized hot and cold rolling procedures, and carefully controlled heat-treatment schedules. This integrated ‘know-how’ guarantees the reproducibility, scalability, and seamless compatibility of these alloys with India’s existing industrial infrastructure, further solidifying the CSIR lab’s remarkable contribution.