High Throughput Development of Superalloys

The project aims to identify new alloy compositions for use in gas turbine engines which have better thermo efficiency than current alloys leading to increase in performance, reduction in CO2 emisisons and reduction in noise levels at take off. In undertaking this project we will introduce a robust methodology for future alloy development which will ensure the UK supply chain continues to be the largest in Europe and which will increase market share. Ilika uses high-throughput, or combinatorial, techniques which involve the rapid synthesis of a large number of different structurally-related materials in a few automated steps. The novel materials will be characterised and scaled up using state of the art facilities at Ilika, Cambridge University and Diamond Light Source to ensure an improved understanding of the limitations of the current materials in respect of their structure, stability and performance; information critical for the optimal use of existing alloys and the future development new improved alloys. Rolls Royce have given their support for this project and have confirmed their commitment to this particular area of research.