How Chinese scientists created an alloy that can survive 2,400 degrees Celsius

A team of Chinese scientists says it has developed an alloy that retains strength at ultra-high temperatures using tantalum – a very hard and flexible metal. For applications in aerospace, hypersonic vehicles and nuclear reactors, materials must endure both extreme heat and heavy loads. But most metals fail above 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,632 degrees Fahrenheit) – they either melt or soften to a putty-like consistency. New research is challenging that limit. According to a paper published last...