A research group at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela, led by Prof. Syed Nasimul Alam, has successfully engineered a lightweight aluminium nanocomposite specifically for aerospace applications. The material incorporates carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoplatelets, and hexagonal boron nitride to create a high strength, thermally stable structure. Designed to withstand the extreme friction and impact of aircraft landings, this material shows a 65% improvement in durability over traditional alloys. The project, involving researchers like Dr. Arka Ghosh and Dr. Ashutosh Das, along with international collaboration from the University of South Africa, aims to provide a cost effective and indigenous solution for defense aircraft and UAVs. By utilizing Spark Plasma Sintering, the team has created a material that is 40 to 60 percent more economical than titanium, marking a major step forward for India's aerospace manufacturing sector.
Click Here for More Institutional Activities