Jodhpur, Nov. 3 -- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur has developed a Titanium-Aluminide (TiAl) alloy that researchers say could transform materials used in the aerospace and defence sectors. The new material, named TiAl-CA, addresses long-standing challenges in creating lightweight metals that can withstand extreme heat without losing strength. According to researchers, existing alloys used in aircraft engines are either too heavy or fail to retain their strength at high temperatures. Developed by Professor SS Nene and his colleagues AR Balpande and A Dutta from the Advanced Materials Design and Processing Group, Department of Materials Engineering, the alloy maintains gigapascal-level yield strength even at 900degC. It also shows excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures. The researchers explained that the uniqueness of TiAl-CA lies in its structure. Earlier versions of TiAl alloys needed additives like boron or carbon, which made them brittle and difficult to process. The IIT Jodhpur team, however, created this alloy without boron, instead combining metallic elements such as Niobium (Nb), Molybdenum (Mo), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W), and Vanadium (V) in the TiAl matrix. This combination has made it strong and flexible. Prof. Nene said the successful development of this ultralight and ultra strong "supermetal" would be a significant step forward for fuel-efficient aeroengine manufacturing....