Article

Duraloy Technologies has collaborated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for over 30 years to develop high-temperature alloys, significantly impacting industrial applications. Following a near-bankruptcy in 1994, Duraloy formed a partnership with ORNL, focusing on the cast nickel aluminide alloy IC-221M, which was known for its high-temperature durability.

By 2002, IC-221M demonstrated superior performance in steel mills, reducing maintenance and downtime while allowing higher furnace temperatures. This alloy's development paved the way for advanced materials like TMA6350, expanding Duraloy’s market to petrochemical processing and aerospace.

The long-standing collaboration has led to multiple successful alloys, including H-series and alumina-forming austenitic alloys, supported by the DOE. Despite challenges from global competition, ORNL continues to assist Duraloy in optimizing production methods. The partnership model exemplifies effective public-private innovation in material science.