High-Performance engineering alloys

Monash research into high-performance engineering alloys focuses on four strategic areas: intelligent design and development of high-performance light alloys, development of advanced ceramic processing technologies, innovative processing of conventional and advanced metallic alloys, and enhancement of durability of materials in aggressive environments.

The Light Alloys Group at Monash, a major contributor to research and development activities on aluminium and magnesium alloys in Australia, is working on magnesium alloys for automotive and aerospace applications. The group’s research focuses on the effects of micro-alloying additions on precipitation behaviour in aluminium and magnesium alloys, ranging from detailed microstructural characterisation and modelling to development of higher strength and more creep-resistant alloys, and their deformation characteristics, formability and strengthening/creep mechanisms.

The Ceramic Group is developing self-toughened sialon ceramics and new technologies for producing sialon powders from industrial waste materials. The engineering ceramics are useful for applications in aggressive environments such as high temperatures and wear. The use of gelcasting allows the formation of complex-shaped ceramic and refractory green bodies with high strength and precision. Novel ceramic-polymer composites have also been developed for fire-resistant cable applications.