A new super metal has been created by the scientists of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), which is likely to bring about a revolution in the production of airplanes, spacecraft and cars. The metal has been made with a combination of ceramic silicon carbide nanoparticles and magnesium, and is likely to have varied applications. This metal is highly strong and super light, along with distinct stiffness-to-weight ratio.

“It's been proposed that nanoparticles could really enhance the strength of metals without damaging their plasticity, especially light metals like magnesium, but no groups have been able to disperse ceramic nanoparticles in molten metals until now”, said Xiaochun Li, a professor of manufacturing and engineering at UCLA.

Scientists have found an innovative method to disperse the nanoparticles in metal, with no impact on the structural integrity of the metal. The nanoparticles were infused in a molten magnesium zinc alloy.

Li added that this breakthrough will be instrumental in meeting today’s energy and sustainability needs by evenly dispersing dense nanoparticles to enhance the performance of other metals as well. The new metal is capable of absorbing high temperatures.

Since magnesium is available in abundance, thereby it will not be environmentally hazardous to boost the production of this new metal. Scientists expect that the industrial use of this metal will soon be realized. Furthermore, scientists believe that a new metal-nanoparticle combination will be soon developed, with new innovative and increased potential.