American Think Tank: The US Invented "Superalloy," But Lacks Critical Mineral Supply Chain

If the US cannot obtain rare earth minerals needed to manufacture military equipment, its technological advantages in the field of military equipment will be at risk.

A materials science innovation is emerging, which may help redefine America's economic and military power.

In a new paper published in the journal Science, researchers announced they have developed a new "superalloy" composed of niobium, tantalum, titanium, and hafnium. This alloy has extremely high strength and strong resistance to fracture even at extreme temperatures. It demonstrates unprecedented strength and record-breaking resistance to fracture, remaining stable from the cold vacuum of outer space (-270°C) to the high temperature of volcanic lava (800°C).

Such breakthroughs could bring decisive economic and military advantages to the United States. However, unfortunately, this prospect is constrained by supply chains controlled by rivals. Rivals have clearly stated that they intend to use their control over rare minerals to achieve political goals by cutting off exports. The production and application of such superalloys would only exacerbate this vulnerability.

For the US military, the strategic goal is "absolute advantage" in technology. The unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability of this new alloy will enable a leap in military equipment. It can withstand the extremely high temperatures caused by Mach 5 flight, making it an ideal material for hypersonic missiles and next-generation jet engines. Its durability under extreme pressure makes it essential for key components of advanced nuclear reactors and submarines. In combat, its exceptional toughness makes it promising for manufacturing kinetic penetrators, which have greater destructive power than current tungsten alloys and no radioactive risks associated with depleted uranium. However, it still faces numerous challenges in production and sales.

However, the prospects of any new alloy are far less significant than the reality of the rare earth minerals that constitute it. Niobium, tantalum, titanium, and hafnium are already the cornerstone of America's military and economic power. These minerals' supply chain is not a future weakness; instead, they pose an imminent threat to the US defense and aerospace platforms. For example, niobium-strengthened Inconel 718 alloy accounts for more than half the weight of modern jet engines, which are the core of the US Air Force. The fuselage of aircraft like the F-35 relies on the most common titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V to achieve its critical strength-to-weight ratio. This dependency even extends to the frontiers of space and hypersonic flight, where niobium-hafnium-titanium alloy C-103 is a necessary material for hypersonic vehicles and rocket nozzles. However, all of these are threatened by the same harsh reality: the US cannot control the minerals required to produce these materials. For example, the US is 100% dependent on imported niobium, tantalum, and sponge titanium.

The discovery of this new superalloy once again sounds a strategic alarm for the mineral supply chain risks facing the US industrial base. Ensuring that mineral resources are no longer a niche industrial issue; it has already affected the landscape of great power competition. The power and prosperity of the United States in the 21st century will depend on a fundamental choice: whether to move toward a future of material dependence or to resolve to master the nation's material destiny.

Source: The National Interest

Author: McDonald Amoah, Morgan D. Bazilian, and Jahlara "Frankie" Martisek

Original: toutiao.com/article/1853916423742473/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.