Wednesday, 10th August 2005 (4775 views)

A newly developed 18-carat gold alloy may take the place of existing gold alloys.

Researchers at the Californian Institute of Technology and at Liquidmetal Technologies have created a gold alloy that can be moulded at lower temperatures than the current requisite 150 degrees Celsius.

This will have implications for both jewellery and electrical components as the new alloy has the high gold content and hardness of presently available gold alloys but is more easily shapeable.

Jan Schroer, a member of the research team, believes the new gold alloy will "improve current jewellery and might even allow for new designs," reports physicsweb.

"The alloy is very interesting for the jewellery industry and we anticipate it being used shortly because of its processing advantage and high hardness at room temperature," he elaborated.

By creating an alloy, the gold becomes stronger yet retains its colour. As such, gold alloys are utilised in dental work, scientific instruments, electrical equipment and jewellery.


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