Recently, the Magnesium Technology student team at HEU's College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering has made significant strides in the research on magnesium-lithium alloy, achieving long-term durability even in harsh environments.
As the lightest metal structural material globally, magnesium-lithium alloy stands out as an ideal choice for lightweight aerospace components. However, its susceptibility to corrosion has severely limited its applications. Addressing this challenge, the Magnesium Technology student team has pioneered the development of a superhydrophobic magnesium-lithium alloy through microarc oxidation. This breakthrough not only enhances corrosion resistance but also preserves its lightweight properties. Experimental data reveals a remarkable reduction in weight, approximately 40%-50% compared to traditional magnesium-lithium alloys. Third-party testing institutions have confirmed that the corrosion protection capabilities of the superhydrophobic surface coating developed by the team are on par with the highest standards of existing surface protection methods.
Presently, building upon the research on microarc oxidation superhydrophobic magnesium-lithium alloy, the project team has published three SCI papers and filed for three national invention patents, with one already granted. Looking ahead, the team aims to delve deeper into exploring the thermal control performance of the microarc oxidation film and to facilitate the widespread adoption of this achievement in aerospace and other relevant domains.