Chinese scientists have developed a new magnesium-lithium alloy which is the world’s lightest metallic structural material. This has been developed by Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Magnesium-lithium Alloy, Shaanxi Daily reported on Feb. 21.
According to reports, the density of this material ranges between 0.96 and 1.64 grams per cubic centimeter, depending on the application. This ultra light material has been used in China’s first carbon dioxide monitoring satellite, launched on Dec. 22, 2016.
Adding lithium to metal magnesium, the alloy turns into an ultra-light and shock-absorbent material best suited for giving structures. Besides being light it also has an incredible damping property, low density, high specific stiffness and strength. Together, these traits can significantly improve a payload, reduce the weight of a satellite and lower launch costs.
The research center was approved by the Shaanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission in 2011, and jointly constructed by Xi’an Sifang Superlight Materials Co., Ltd. and Professor Chai Donglang’s team from Xi’an Jiaotong University.
