Allegheny Technologies Inc. announced that ATI Allegheny Ludlum has been awarded a subcontract from the University of Pittsburgh with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) to develop specialty metallic materials for use in fuel cells intended for the power generation industry.

The development contract is aimed at creating critical interconnect materials for solid oxide fuel cells. Interconnect materials provide an electrical current path as well as structure to the fuel cell. Successful materials must exhibit strength while being able to resist high heat in a variety of gaseous environments.

"Fuel cell interconnect materials represent one of two material challenges to making solid oxide fuel cells a reality for the power generation market," said Wayne Surdoval, DoE's Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) Coordinator. "The combined technical capabilities of Allegheny Ludlum and the University of Pittsburgh offer a high level of science with real-world practical production competence. We are pleased to have them engaged in this effort."

ATI Allegheny Ludlum is an Allegheny Technologies company.

Allegheny Technologies Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified specialty materials producers in the world with revenues of approximately $2.4 billion during the 12-month period ending September 30, 2004. High-value products include nickel-based and cobalt-based alloys and superalloys, titanium and titanium alloys, specialty steels, super stainless steel, exotic alloys, which include zirconium, hafnium and niobium, tungsten materials, and highly engineered strip and Precision Rolled Strip^(R) products. Commodity specialty materials include stainless steel sheet and plate, silicon and tool steels, and forgings and castings.