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Editorial

Microstructure and Properties in Metals and Alloys (Volume 3)

by
Andrea Di Schino
1,*,
Claudio Testani
2 and
Robert Bidulský
3
1
Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via G. Duranti 93, 06125 Perugia, Italy
2
CALEF-ENEA CR Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, 00123 Rome, Italy
3
Bodva Industry and Innovation Cluster, Budulov, 174, 04501 Moldava nad Bodvou, Slovakia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Metals 2025, 15(10), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101156
Submission received: 29 September 2025 / Accepted: 15 October 2025 / Published: 20 October 2025
(This article belongs to the Topic Microstructure and Properties in Metals and Alloys, 3rd Volume)
Versions Notes

1. Introduction and Scope

Microstructure design is a main issue when targeting a target material’s properties. It is therefore essential to focus on the relations between properties and microstructure [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10] and how to drive them via a specific process [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20], including additive techniques. The following five journals are participating in this Topic: Coatings, Alloys, Crystals, Materials, and Metals. The published papers reported here refer to microstructure design and material characterization. Authors focus on the relation between microstructure, mechanical properties, fatigue, wear, welding, and corrosion resistance of different alloys produced using several processes.

2. An Overview of Published Articles

The topic consists of twenty-one papers, one communication and two review papers. Among those, seven papers were published in Metals, five papers in Materials, five in Crystals, three in Alloys, and one in Coatings, covering several aspects concerning microstructure–property relations in metals and alloys.
The contributions are listed below:
Ragab et al. (Contribution 1) investigate the behavior of 11Cr-1.6W-1.6Ni martensitic stainless steel during FSW and focus on the relationship between weld power, heat generation, cooling medium, and prior austenite grain size when processing it. They showed that, while FSW resulted in a complete phase transformation to fine PAG, SFSW caused only minimal or partial transformation and a higher strain rate. Consequently, the SZ and TMAZ in SFSW exhibited a higher hardness than in FSW.
Zhang et al. (Contribution 2) report on 0.1C5Mn3Al dual-phase steel. Hot rolling induces a laminated/layered structure with ferrite and martensite phases distributed transverse to the rolling direction. A deformation mechanism was studied using nano-indentation and a scanning electron microscope. The good steel mechanical properties are discussed in terms of ferrite/martensite layer refinement.
Patel et al. (Contribution 3) investigate aluminum metal matrix composite. These materials were engineered with micro and nanoscale reinforcing particles as advanced solutions for demanding sectors.
Bolormaa et al. (Contribution 4) in their paper investigate the effects of rare-earth element addition on microstructure, phase transformation, and mechanical properties of Ni50Ti30Hf20−xLax (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2) alloys.
Through synergistic phase diagram analysis and thermodynamic parameter calculation, Zhang et al. (Contribution 5) design three novel alloy systems—Cr1.3Ni2TiAl, CoCr1.5NiTi1.5Al0.2, and V0.3CoCr1.2NiTi1.1Al0.2. Their results suggest an enhanced mechanical performance coming from the interplay between irregular eutectic configurations, expanded grain boundary area, and precipitation strengthening mechanisms.
Guerra-Linares et al. (Contribution 6) report on the effect of martensite volume fraction on the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties of API 5CT dual-phase steel, studied based on inter-critical heat treatment routes at different temperatures (730, 760, and 790 °C). The result showed a strong correlation between the ferrite amount and the corrosion rate.
Yao et al. (Contribution 7) investigate the effects of yttrium addition on the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of as-extruded Al-5.6Zn-2.5Mg-1.6Cu-0.20Cr (wt.%). Microstructural characterization showed that the yttrium addition led to a significant refinement of secondary phase particles within the as-extruded alloy matrix.
Acquesta et al. (Contribution 8) investigate the enhancement of the corrosion resistance of a protective system applied on the AZ31 magnesium alloy to be used as an orthopedic biomedical device, composed of three different superimposed layers. They showed that the adoption of a magnesium oxide layer reduced the degradation rate. The presence of polydopamine on the oxide layer improved the corrosion resistance of the alloy, showing a pseudo-passivity range in the potentiodynamic polarization curve, due to the filling of oxide pores.
Jin et al. (Contribution 9) study the creep-fatigue behavior of P92 steel with different strain rates. Their results put in evidence a relation between degenerated mechanical properties and microstructural evolution.
Mojsilović et al. (Contribution 10) report on the preparation of photocatalytic coatings by plasma electrolytic oxidation processing from 0.01 M sodium tungstate electrolyte solution containing both 13X zeolite and CeO2. In their results, the highest photodegradation under simulated sunlight is observed for coatings formed in 0.01 M sodium tungstate with the addition of 1 g/L of 13X zeolite and 1 g/L of CeO2, reaching 50% after 6 h of irradiation.
Li et al. (Contribution 11) show how hydrophobic fumed silica with the addition of 0.050 wt.% can be adopted as an optimal modifier to enhance the bending strength of SSBS.
Rakhadilov et al. (Contribution 12) investigate the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on calcium phosphate coatings applied to VT1-0 titanium substrates using micro-arc oxidation. They show how Ti significantly enhances the mechanical and tribological performance of the calcium phosphate coatings, making them suitable for biomedical applications, especially in implants requiring long-term durability and enhanced compatibility.
Zhuang et al. (Contribution 13) report about novel functional materials. In their work, a new silver/cadmium heterometallic thiocyanate templated by benzyl viologen is synthesized and structurally characterized.
Satbayeva et al. (Contribution 14) analyze the effect of electrolytic plasma nitriding on the performance of medium-carbon steel 45 under increased mechanical loads and in aggressive environments. The study results show that the sample without ammonium nitrate demonstrated higher mechanical and corrosion properties due to a more homogeneous and denser nitride layer.
Zhao et al. (Contribution 15) investigates the influence of super-fast heating rate and holding time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dual-phase (DP) Fe-0.16C-1.4Mn sheet steel. The results showed that the layered structure of the DP Fe-0.16C-1.4Mn steel after super-fast heating was mainly composed of recrystallized ferrite, martensite clusters, and a small amount of residual austenite. Compared with the conventional method, super-fast heating significantly refined the grains and improved yield and tensile strength, but it slightly reduced the elongation.
Satbayeva et al. (Contribution 16) report about electrolytic plasma nitriding as an attractive chemical heat treatment used to improve the surface properties of steel by implementing nitrogen saturation.
Liang et al. (Contribution 17) study the effects of Sc, Mg, and Si elements in an Al-Cu by means of hardness tests and transmission electron microscopy analysis. They show how Si and Mg addition promote the aging–hardening response of the Al-Cu alloy.
Kaščák et al. (Contribution 18) through their research make it possible to predict the correct orientation of a part based on selected criteria.
Gao et al. (Contribution 19) investigate the mechanical properties of a fine-grained (FG) Ti-6Al-4V extra-low interstitial (ELI) alloy by tensile tests at 298 K and 77 K.
Mnisi et al. (Contribution 20) use first-principles density functional theory calculations to explore the structural, electronic, mechanical, and phonon properties of X3Ru (X = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) binary alloys in the tP16 crystallographic phase. They find that Mn3Ru, Sc3Ru, Ti3Ru, V3Ru, and Zn3Ru have negative heats of formation and hence are thermodynamically stable.
Tucho et al. (Contribution 21) study Inconel 718 material solid solution heat-treated (ST), cold-rolled (CR), and precipitation-hardened (PH) to investigate the effects of deformation on tensile properties, hardness, and texture.

Acknowledgments

As Guest Editors, we are grateful to the entire staff of MDPI for the valuable collaboration. We also express our gratitude to all the contributing authors and reviewers; without your excellent work, it would not have been possible to accomplish this Topic, which we hope will provide reading and reference literature of both interest and lasting importance.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

List of Contributions

  • Ragab, M.; Alsaleh, N.; El-Sayed Seleman, M.M.; Ahmed, M.M.Z.; Ataya, S.; Elshaghoul, Y.G.Y. Weld power, heat generation and microstructure in FSW and SFSW of 11 Cr-1.6W- 1.6 Ni martensitic stainless steel: te impact of tool rotation rate. Crystals 2025, 15, 845. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15100845.
  • Zhang, L.; Cai, P.; Hou, Z.; Wu, G. Synergistic deformation of ferrite/martensite laminates brings high strength and good ductility in dual-phase stee. Materials 2025, 18, 4198. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174198.
  • Patel, K.S.; Shi, L. Recent advances in ceramic-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites: A review. Alloys 2025, 4, 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/alloys4030018.
  • Bolurmaa, D.; Dovchinvanchig, M. Microstructure, phase transformation and mechanical properties of Ni-Ti-Hf-La alloys. Alloys 2025, 4, 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/alloys4030014.
  • Zhang, X.; Yan, H.; Xiao, Y.; Feng, W.; Cai, Y. The Design and Microstructure Evolution Mechanism of New Cr1.3 Ni2TiAl, CoCr1.5NiTi1.5Al0.2, and V0.3CoCr1.2NiTi1.1 Al0.2 Eutectic High-Entropy Alloys. Metals 2025, 15, 613. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15060613.
  • Guerra-Linares, C.; Soria-Aguilar, J.; García-Guerra, J.; Martínez-Luevanos, A.; Carrillo-Pedroza, F.; Gutíerrez-Castañeda, E.; Díaz-Guillén, J.C.; Acevedo Dávila, L. and González de la Cruz, J.M Electrochemical and Tribological Behavior of Dual-Phase Steels Obtained from a Commercial-Grade API 5CT Steel. Metals 2025, 15, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15030319.
  • Yao, T.; Xiao, D.; Yan, Y.; Liu, W. Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Behavior in Al-5.6Zn-2.5Mg-1.6Cu-0.2Cr Alloy with Minor Yttrium Addition. Materials 2025, 18, 875. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18040875.
  • Acquesta, A.; Desiderio, F.; Russo; P.; Stornelli, G.; Di Schino, A.; Monetta. T. Enhancement of Corrosion Resistance of MAO/Polydopamine/Polylactic Acid-Coated AZ31 Magnesium Alloy for Biomedical Applications. Metals 2025, 15, 146. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15020146.
  • Jin, Z.; Cai, Z.; Gu, X.; Wang, Z.; Han, Y.; Yu, T.; Song, Y.; Gao, Z.; Zheng, Z. A Study of the Creep-Fatigue Damage Mechanism of a P92 Welded Joint Using Nanoindentation Characterization. Metals 2025, 15, 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15010053.
  • Mojsilović, K.; Tadić, N.; Stojanović, S.; Damjanović-Vasilić; L.; Rastko Vasilić. R. Facile Preparation of Composite Coatings with Incorporated 13X Zeolite and CeO2. Coatings 2024, 14, 1516. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121516.
  • Li, Y.; Zhang, H.; Chen, J.; Xiang, T.; Cheng, Y.; Zhang, H. Effect of Hydrophobic Fumed Silica on Bending Strength of Sodium Silicate-Bonded Sand Cores. Materials 2024, 17, 5714. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235714.
  • Rakhadilov, B.; Zhassulan, A.; Ormanbekov, K.; Shynarbek, A.; Baizhan, D.; Aldabergenova, T. Surface Modification and Tribological Performance of Calcium Phosphate Coatings with TiO2 Nanoparticles on VT1-0 Titanium by Micro-Arc Oxidation. Crystals 2024, 14, 945. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14110945.
  • Zhuang, X.; Huang, X.; Li, H.; Lin, T.; Gao, Y. A New Heterometallic Silver/Cadmium Thiocyanate Directed by Benzyl Viologen Possessing Photocurrent Response and Photocatalytic Degradation on Rhodamine B in Artificial Seawater. Crystals 2024, 14, 944. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14110944.
  • Satbayeva, Z.; Maulit, A.; Ispulov, N.; Baizhan, D.; Rakhadilov, B.; Kusainov, R. Electrolytic Plasma Nitriding of Medium-Carbon Steel 45 for Performance Enhancement. Crystals 2024, 14, 895. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14100895.
  • Zhao, J.; Wang, J.; Li, J.; Zhang S.; Luo, F. The Effects of Super-Fast Heating Rate and Holding Time on the Microstructure and Properties of DP Fe-0.16C-1.4Mn Sheet Steel. Materials 2024, 17, 4982. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17204982.
  • Satbayeva, Z.; Rakhadilov, B.; Turar, Z.; Berdimuratov, N.; Baizhan, D.; Maulit, A. Surface Modification of Chromium–Nickel Steel by Electrolytic Plasma Nitriding Method. Crystals 2024, 14, 759. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090759.
  • Liang, S.; Wen, S.; Liu, B.; Hu, Y.; Wei, W.; Wu, X.; Huang, H.; Gao, K.; Xiong, H.; Nie. Z. Stabilization Effect of Interfacial Solute Segregation on θ′ Precipitates in Al-Cu Alloys. Metals 2024, 14, 848. https://doi.org/10.3390/met14080848.
  • Kaščák, L.; Varga, J.; Bidulská, J.; Bidulský, R.; Manfredi, D. Weight Factor as a Parameter for Optimal Part Orientation in the L-PBF Printing Process Using Numerical Simulation. Materials 2024, 17, 3604. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143604.
  • Gao, Q.; Li, R.; Wu, H.; Miao, K.; Wu, H.; Liu, C.; Li, X. Revealing the Superior Post-Necking Elongation in the Fine-Grained Ti-6Al-4V ELI at Cryogenic Temperature. Metals 2024, 14, 600. https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050600.
  • Mnisi, B.O.; Benecha, M.E.; Tibane, M.M. First-Principles Study on Thermodynamic, Structural, Mechanical, Electronic, and Phonon Properties of tP16 Ru-Based Alloys. Alloys 2024, 3, 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/alloys3020007.
  • Tucho, W.M.; Sletsjøe, A.T.; Sayyar, N.; Hansen, V. Optimizing Tensile Properties and Hardness of Inconel 718 by Cold Rolling. Metals 2024, 14, 455. https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040455.

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MDPI and ACS Style

Di Schino, A.; Testani, C.; Bidulský, R. Microstructure and Properties in Metals and Alloys (Volume 3). Metals 2025, 15, 1156. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101156

AMA Style

Di Schino A, Testani C, Bidulský R. Microstructure and Properties in Metals and Alloys (Volume 3). Metals. 2025; 15(10):1156. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101156

Chicago/Turabian Style

Di Schino, Andrea, Claudio Testani, and Robert Bidulský. 2025. "Microstructure and Properties in Metals and Alloys (Volume 3)" Metals 15, no. 10: 1156. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101156

APA Style

Di Schino, A., Testani, C., & Bidulský, R. (2025). Microstructure and Properties in Metals and Alloys (Volume 3). Metals, 15(10), 1156. https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101156

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