€1bn metals project launched
Lightweight alloys and metal composites are the focus of a new €1billion project being led by the European Space Agency.
Known as Metallurgy Europe, the seven-year R&D programme involves more than 180 European companies and a number of leading research institutions.
"We'll be laying the technical foundations for the discovery of new materials – metallic compounds, alloys, composites, superconductors and semiconductors," explained Professor David Jarvis, head of strategic and emerging technologies at ESA and chairman of Metallurgy Europe.
"We'll also be applying computer modelling to guide our alloy creation, as well as advanced manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing or 3D printing, for the creation of new products."
The initiative is expected to create around 100 000 new jobs.
Organised along 13 topics, the potential results include novel heat resistant alloys for space and nuclear systems, high efficiency power lines based on superconducting alloys, thermoelectric materials converting waste heat into power, new catalysts for the production of plastics and pharmaceuticals, bio-compatible metals for medical implants and high strength magnetic systems.
