Nanoscale alloy redesign tackles cold brittleness for deep-space and deep-sea use

Researchers have developed a nanostructured alloy that maintains strength, ductility and fracture toughness at ultralow temperatures. Conventional metals grow stronger when cooled but also more brittle, limiting their use in aerospace, superconducting systems and deep-sea equipment.

• The alloy overcomes the long-standing strength-ductility-toughness trade-off
• Conventional metals strengthen at low temperatures but become prone to fracture
• Target applications include aerospace, superconductors and deep-sea systems