Aerospace Suppliers Test Rare-Earth Alternatives to Reduce China Dependency

Aerospace suppliers and research agencies are testing non-rare-earth alternatives for jet engine turbine coatings to reduce reliance on the Government of China, which maintains a near-monopoly on critical minerals including tungsten, indium phosphide, and yttrium.

The National Research Council of Canada and various industry partners are currently evaluating ceramic oxides from the 1970s and 1980s, such as zirconium dioxide. Researchers are investigating whether modern engineering and instruments can make these obsolete materials viable replacements for rare-earth-based coatings. In Europe, Oerlikon Metco has already introduced rare-earth-free products, including zirconia-based coatings that utilize calcium and magnesium oxides.

Despite these technical developments and efforts to recycle surplus materials, experts indicate that the industry remains years away from achieving independence. This continued dependency provides China with significant leverage in trade negotiations with the United States.