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Korean researchers discover 'super steel'

Steel Buildings

Korean researchers discover 'super steel'

The discovered alloy is 13% less dense than normal steel, with the same strength as titanium


By BD+C Staff | February 10, 2015
Korean researchers discover “super steel”

Two instructors and a doctoral student of the Graduate Institute of Ferrous Technology at Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea, make up the team behind the discovery. Photo: Graduate Institute of Ferrous Technology/Wikimedia Commons

A team of material scientists at Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea, announced its discovery of a new alloy that has the same strength-to-weight ratio as titanium alloys, but at just tenth the cost, Fast Company reports.

The research team, which consisted of Professors Hansoo Kim and Nack J. Kim, as well as doctoral student Sang-Heon Kim, found that nanometer-sized B2 crystal compounds—traditionally considered harmful for steels—can create a lightweight yet strong metal when dispersed within the steel’s grains.

Their research findings were published in the Feb. 5 edition of the journal Nature.

“With this innovative approach, stronger and more ductile lightweight steels [can] been created,” a statement from the university says.

 Read more at Fast Company.

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