Many Russian research institutes are at the forefront of international development and are extremely well networked with various scientific and business partners. CT in Russia also maintains about 20 research partnerships with Russian universities and institutes. One of the focal points is on materials research, in which CT works closely with the Technological Institute for Superhard and Novel Carbon Materials (TISNCM) in Troitsk near Moscow. A particularly interesting development here is a new, nanostructured aluminum which the researchers have created by incorporating tiny nano-sized carbon particles into an aluminum-metal matrix. This process makes alloys harder and stronger while maintaining their excellent electrical and thermal properties. The new material is two to three times harder than conventional aluminum alloys. It is also much lighter than steel alloys, despite being comparably hard. This super-aluminum is thus very well suited for enhancing the performance of compressors, turbochargers, and motors. Electrical cables could also become much thinner, thus saving material and costs compared to conventional copper cables. In Moscow, a team from CT is working with scientists from Lomonossov Moscow State University and the Moscow-based Turbocom Company to develop turbomachinery with gas bearings. In small turbines and compressors, the new machines could replace conventional systems equipped with high-maintenance oil bearings. For the new turbomachinery, the researchers designed bearings in the form of extremely thin, Teflon-coated lamellae that lift up from the axle when the rotor reaches 60,000 rpm. This creates a very thin cushion of air between the bearing and the lamellae, which reduces friction losses and improves the turbine’s efficiency. The turbine then runs with zero resistance and is maintenance-free. This technology could also be used in vacuum compressors in the oil and gas industry, as well as in components for water treatment facilities.