Scientists have created new high-heat-conductivity magnesium alloys that differ from their counterparts in increased reliability and low cost, and in addition, can significantly reduce the weight of devices.
"Traditionally, aluminum is used for heat removal, but it turns out to be too massive for modern gadgets. Reducing the weight of devices can significantly reduce energy consumption during operation, as well as reduce greenhouse emissions during transportation, which is becoming increasingly important today. The use of our alloys will reduce the weight of heat-removing elements by a third without losing effciency," said Vyacheslav Bazhenov, associate professor at the Department of Foundry Technology & Artistic Processing of Materials at NUST MISIS.
One of the problems in the operation of magnesium alloys, as noted by scientists, is their ability to catch fire in the air. Due to the addition of calcium and yttrium, scientists managed to significantly increase the ignition temperature, so that new materials can be used in various gadgets without restrictions.
Based on the results of the work, LG Electronics registered patents for the high-heat-conducting magnesium alloy (Mg-Si-Zn-Ca) and a radiator made of the material in the U.S., the European Union, Korea and China.
Now, the research team is working on new compositions of magnesium-based alloys, which can provide high strength and corrosion resistance along with low cost and high thermal conductivity.
Photo credit: MISIS