Gold-MAX Phase Composites for Allergy-Free Hardness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for gold-containing materials that are machinable but free from allergy-causing materials, particularly nickel, which is commonly used in white gold alloys.

Innovation Solution

The development of composite compositions comprising gold and one or more MAX-phase materials, which are layered, hexagonal carbides and nitrides that combine metal-like machinability with ceramic-like properties, thereby enhancing the hardness and durability of gold without using nickel or other allergens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If nickel is added to gold to create white gold, then the hardness and durability are improved, but allergic reactions occur in some users

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehardnessVSAvoidallergic reaction

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes nickel from the gold alloy composition entirely and replaces it with MAX phase materials (such as Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, Ta2AlC) that provide hardening effects without causing allergic reactions. This extraction of the harmful element while maintaining the beneficial property resolves the contradiction between hardness improvement and allergy prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system consisting of gold combined with MAX phase materials. These composites provide the desired hardness and durability through the ceramic-like properties of MAX phases while maintaining the ductility and workability of gold, all without using nickel or other allergenic metals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If alloying elements are added to harden gold, then the durability is improved, but the color changes to white

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcolor

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses MAX phase materials as composite additives in gold alloys. These materials provide hardening and durability improvements through their ceramic-like structure and properties, while being present in sufficient quantities to affect mechanical properties but insufficient to significantly alter the yellow color of gold, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and color preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If nickel-free alternatives are used, then allergic reactions are prevented, but the hardness and durability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveallergic reactionVSAvoidhardness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces MAX phase materials (such as Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, Ta2AlC) as composite components in nickel-free gold alloys. These materials possess ceramic-like hardness and durability properties that compensate for the absence of nickel, providing the necessary mechanical strength while maintaining biocompatibility and preventing allergic reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the compositional parameters of gold alloys by incorporating MAX phase materials with specific stoichiometries and proportions. By carefully controlling the concentration and type of MAX phase additives, the alloy achieves optimal balance between hardness, durability, and allergy-free properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250188570A1Max phase-gold composites and methods for making the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 DREXEL UNIV

AI summary

This disclosure is directed to composites of MAX-phase materials and gold, and methods for preparing the same.