TECNALIA leads the way at the 18th National Congress of Materials

TECNALIA fosters innovation in materials science at the 18th National Congress of Materials

A multidisciplinary team of researchers from TECNALIA’s Processes and Materials business area has actively participated in the 18th National Congress of Materials (CNMAT 2026), one of the leading forums in the field of Materials Science and Engineering.

This event has provided an opportunity to showcase the latest developments, innovative solutions and strategic perspectives developed by our teams in the field of advanced metal alloys.

Computational design of high-performance aluminium alloys for additive manufacturing

Among the contributions, the speech on “Computational design of high-performance aluminium alloys for additive manufacturing” can be highlighted, which is the result of close collaboration between TECNALIA, the University of the Basque Country (EHU), , IMH Campus and research staff from IKERBASQUE.

• A computational design methodology aimed at developing new aluminium alloys optimised for additive manufacturing technologies was presented.
• The results obtained highlight the potential of these tools to accelerate the development of more sustainable materials, with improved mechanical properties and tailored to the needs of the most demanding industrial sectors, thereby contributing to the challenges of competitiveness and sustainable transition in industry.

Furthermore, in the field of magnet recycling, a paper entitled ‘ : “Impact of operating conditions on the recycling of NdFeB permanent magnets using pyrometallurgical processes”’ was presented.

• During the presentation, details were provided of the various process conditions and the reactors used for the treatment of magnets using high-power plasma technology, HPTP by TECNALIA, as part of the MAGELLAN project (Horizon Europe Project 101138260).

Finally, the speech on “Development of a new analytical method to determine the stages and mechanisms of wear applied to the injection- of AlSi9Cu3 alloy” was also presented, which stems from the collaboration between TECNALIA, the University of the Basque Country (EHU) and Mondragon Unibertsitatea.

• An analytical methodology based on the derivation of the wear signal, which improves the interpretation of ball-on-disc tests by enabling the objective identification of the different stages and mechanisms of wear was presented, laying the foundations for future monitoring and predictive analysis tools.

Furthermore, the congress provided an ideal forum for knowledge exchange, strengthening collaboration between the various stakeholders in the Basque R&D&I ecosystem and to identify new opportunities for joint research in the field of advanced materials.