Researchers at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, have developed the first known metallic gel, a groundbreaking material made entirely of metal powders that can withstand extreme temperatures. Unlike typical gels used in everyday products, this innovative gel is created by mixing two metal powders. When heated, one metal melts, forming a liquid that is trapped within a solid scaffold of the other metal, creating a gel-like structure.

Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) will permanently close the operations of the metal powder plant at the Critical Minerals and Metallurgical Complex in Sorel-Tracy, Canada, by the end of 2025.

Students at UNC-Charlotte receive lectures on metal powder technologies.
 

The MPIF Industry Development Board (IDB) continues its new University Outreach Program to promote metal powder technologies to future engineers. Recently, Scott Davis, Hoeganaes Corporation, and Stefan Joens, Elnik Systems, LLC, took over three separate classes, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Systems, and Design of Machine Elements class at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. The feedback from the students and professors was very positive, remarking that they appreciated the industry providing a firsthand look at what the metal powder industry has to offer. Next up are the University of Texas at El Paso and Purdue University-Indianapolis. 

Automotive piston additively manufactured using the ORNL-developed DuAlumin-3D alloy.
 

From automotive to aerospace, this versatile alloy delivers exceptional strength and fuel efficiency. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant strides in utilizing DuAlumin-3D, an innovative aluminum alloy, for high-temperature automotive components, greatly enhancing the potential for additive manufacturing.

Höganäs AB has launched PowdrIQ, an international challenge for university students to explore innovative applications for metal powders. Open to undergraduates, master’s, and PhD students, the challenge invites participants to identify new uses for metal powders in three key areas: sustainability, performance and efficiency, and market needs. An internal committee will evaluate submissions based on innovation, feasibility, sustainability impact, and industry relevance.