Lightest metallic structure
- Who
- Division of Applied Sciences of the California Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of University of California, HRL Laboratories
- What
- 0.9 mg/cm3 gram(s) per cubic centimetre
- Where
- United States
- When
- 18 November 2011
In November 2011, the lightest metallic structure was developed. The material is an alloy made of nickel and phosphorus (93 and 7 % weight respectively) and it has density of 0.9 mg/cm3. This material was made by scientists in the HRL Laboratories Ltd., in cooperation with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of University of California and the Division of Applied Sciences of the California Institute of Technology (all USA), and the findings published in Science on 18 November 2011.
The low density value of this metallic alloy is due to its porous structure; in fact the material is made of hollow tubes having diameter of dimensions between nm and m. Such tubes are then arranged in a 3D ordered structure. If compared to other ultralight materials, this metallic alloy has a more regular and ordered structure. This alloy is currently studied for applications in the automotive and aerospace industries.