Superalloys: ‘The Superheroes of Metal’

Written by: Phoebe May

Have you ever wondered how jet engines work at high temperatures or how rockets can stay strong in space? The answer is superalloys.

What are superalloys and why are they used?

Superalloys are special metal mixtures designed to handle extreme heat, stress, and corrosion. This means, unlike regular metals, superalloys do not melt when exposed to extreme temperatures or break easily, making them perfect for industries that need durability, heat resistance, and strength. Think of them as the ‘superheroes of the metal world’.

What are the types of superalloys and where are they used?

 There are lots of superalloys, but the three main types are:

• Nickel-based superalloys – most common and stay strong at high temperatures. This superalloy type is typically used in jet engines and power plants.
• Cobalt-based superalloys – known for resisting wear and corrosion making them great for medical implants and turbine parts.
• Iron-based superalloys – cheaper but still tough, so are usually used in car engines and industrial machines.

Advantages of superalloys

• Heat resistance – do not melt easily.
• Corrosion resistance – do not rust or weaken over time.
• High strength – can withstand high stress without breaking.
• Long-lasting – machines made with superalloys last longer than regular metals.

Disadvantages of superalloys

• Expensive – can cost more than regular metals because of the rare elements used for the metal mixture.
• Difficult to shape and machine – makes manufacturing tricky and sometimes slow.
• Heavy – some superalloys can be quite dense.

Future for superalloys

Researchers are always looking for new ways to make superalloys stronger and lighter meaning in the future, superalloys could possibly be used for hypersonic jets or space colonies.

Next time you see a plane soaring through the sky or hear about space travel, remember – superalloys are the ‘heroes’ making it all possible.