Alloy design integrating natural language processing and machine learning: breakthrough development of low-cost, high-performance Ni-based single-crystal superalloys

The traditional design of single-crystal superalloys relies heavily on trial-and-error experimentation, which is time-consuming and costly. Here, we present an intelligent alloy design strategy that integrates natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML). A domain-specific NLP model was developed to automatically extract γ′ solvus temperature data from scientific literature, enabling the construction of a high-quality database. Machine learning models trained on this data accurately predict both γ′ solvus temperature and creep life. Guided by these models, we screened over 340000 virtual compositions and successfully designed a new low-cost alloy, CSU-S1. Experimental validation shows that CSU-S1 achieves a γ′ solvus temperature near 1300 °C and a creep life of 224.7 h at 1100 °C/137 MPa, comparable to third-generation single-crystal superalloys, while using only 3.1 wt% Re and costing just 121 USD/kg. This work not only delivers a high-performance, cost-effective superalloy but also demonstrates a generalizable “knowledge-to-innovation” design paradigm, offering a powerful new route to accelerate the development of advanced engineering materials.