Next Issue
Volume 16, March
Previous Issue
Volume 16, January
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Metals
Volume 16
Issue 2
share announcement

Metals, Volume 16, Issue 2 (February 2026) – 112 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): This study examined the effects of laser shock peening (LSP) and LSP without protective coating (LSPwC) on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of 304L stainless steel using cyclic polarization testing. LSP enhanced corrosion resistance under mild sensitization (650 °C, 5 h) by inducing compressive stress and increasing dislocation density, which stabilized the passive film. However, only a limited improvement was observed under severe sensitization (650 °C, 24 h). Deformation-induced martensite, detected by XRD, was attributed to mechanical polishing rather than LSP. In contrast, LSPwC reduced corrosion resistance across all conditions due to the formation of Fe-rich surface oxides that impaired passivation. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
14 pages, 2803 KB  
Article
Influence of Low Zn Concentrations on Behavior of Historical Organ Pipes and Its Model Analogs
by Alena Michalcová, Šárka Msallamová, Elizaveta Gavel, Dominika Fink and Petra Jánošíková
Metals 2026, 16(2), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020241 - 23 Feb 2026
Viewed by 306
Abstract
This study focused on investigating the influence of zinc on tin pest, both alone and in combination with lead and copper. Based on the known composition of the organ pipe from Trpín, five model alloys were prepared, from which model samples were produced. [...] Read more.
This study focused on investigating the influence of zinc on tin pest, both alone and in combination with lead and copper. Based on the known composition of the organ pipe from Trpín, five model alloys were prepared, from which model samples were produced. The model alloys were exposed to low temperatures for 100 days or until complete degradation occurred. The kinetics of the transformation were compared for annealed and non-annealed samples. It was confirmed that the transformation is much faster in samples with retained internal stress. A comparison of the Avrami coefficients indicated similar nucleation behavior for both sample types. Phase transformation was observed in samples containing tin, copper, zinc, and lead, as well as those containing only copper and lead. This suggests that even a relatively small amount of zinc (0.25 wt.%) and copper (0.9 wt.%) can affect the course of tin pest in an alloy containing 13 wt.% lead. Transformation progressed more slowly in samples with only 0.25 wt.% zinc than in pure tin, likely due to the limited solubility of zinc in a tin with low concentrations of alloying elements. The crystallographic structure of both the model alloys and the original historical pipe material was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In almost all model samples, zinc was uniformly dissolved in the tin matrix. However, in the original pipe, zinc was primarily located at grain boundaries and in association with copper. This indicates that zinc was not intentionally added to the historical alloy but likely appeared in the alloy as a contaminant of impure copper. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 3839 KB  
Article
Thermodynamic and Pilot-Scale Experimental Analysis of Medium-Carbon Ferromanganese Production
by Assylbek Abdirashit, Bakyt Suleimen, Bagdagul Uakhitova, Rustem Uakhitov, Meruert Taizhigitova and Amanbek Nurtayev
Metals 2026, 16(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020240 - 22 Feb 2026
Viewed by 425
Abstract
This study investigates the thermodynamic and technological aspects of smelting medium-carbon ferromanganese from Zhezdinsky manganese ore using ferrosilicomanganese and lime. The equilibrium distribution of components in the oxide-metal system was calculated using HSC Chemistry 10.0 within the temperature range of 573–2073 K. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the thermodynamic and technological aspects of smelting medium-carbon ferromanganese from Zhezdinsky manganese ore using ferrosilicomanganese and lime. The equilibrium distribution of components in the oxide-metal system was calculated using HSC Chemistry 10.0 within the temperature range of 573–2073 K. The modeling results revealed the effect of lime and ore consumption on slag phase composition as well as on manganese and silicon contents in the metallic phase. Experimental validation was performed in a laboratory Tamman resistance furnace and in a 100 kVA large-scale laboratory electric arc furnace. The chemical compositions of metal and slag were determined by bulk chemical analysis, while microstructure and local elemental distribution were examined using SEM-EDS. An increase in slag basicity was found to promote the transfer of silicon into the silicate phase while simultaneously reducing manganese losses to the slag. The large-scale laboratory smelting experiments, with a duration of 100–120 min per heat, enabled the establishment of a stable processing regime and the production of a metal with an average composition of 88.1 wt.% Mn, 1.6 wt.% C, and 0.03 wt.% Si. The corresponding slag contained approximately 15 wt.% MnO and 21 wt.% SiO2. SEM-EDS analysis showed that the alloy possesses a heterogeneous microstructure consisting of an Fe-Mn metallic matrix with finely dispersed silicide microphases. Local silicon concentrations in these phases reach 15–24 wt.%, which explains the discrepancy between local and bulk chemical compositions. The experimental data are in good quantitative agreement with the thermodynamic modeling results, confirming that slag basicity and composition control are key factors for improving manganese recovery and stabilizing metal composition. The identified relationships can be applied in the development of industrially oriented smelting regimes for producing medium-carbon ferromanganese from Kazakhstan manganese raw materials. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 10124 KB  
Article
Capacitor Electrical Discharge Sintering of Amorphous Fe-Si-B Powder
by Rosa María Aranda, Petr Urban, Jesús Cintas, Juan Manuel Montes and Francisco G. Cuevas
Metals 2026, 16(2), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020239 - 21 Feb 2026
Viewed by 433
Abstract
High purity powders of Fe, Si and B mixed with atomic composition Fe78Si9B13 are subjected, after arc melting, to a melt spinning process. The amorphous ribbons are transformed into powder by mechanical milling, reaching mean sizes of 65 [...] Read more.
High purity powders of Fe, Si and B mixed with atomic composition Fe78Si9B13 are subjected, after arc melting, to a melt spinning process. The amorphous ribbons are transformed into powder by mechanical milling, reaching mean sizes of 65 and 262 µm, taking care of maintaining the amorphous character. The powders are sintered by means of a very quick capacitor electrical discharge (CEDS), while trying to maintain the initial structure of the powders. The CEDS process is analyzed depending on the thermal energy applied during the discharge, as well as on the particle size of the powders and the powders’ mass. The porosity, microstructure, hardness, electrical resistivity and magnetic properties of the prepared compacts are analyzed. Thus, for powders with a mean size of 262 μm, the porosity can be reduced from 0.33 to 0.11 after sintering, reaching a microhardness of up to 1100 HV1 after applying a discharge of 2640 J/s. A coercivity of 1895 A/m and a saturation flux density of 1.32 T are achieved in the compact, which maintains a microstructure with up to 64% of amorphous phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Powder Metallurgy of Metals and Composites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5726 KB  
Article
Production and Characterization of Al Alloys Obtained Through Molten Metal Deposition
by Cinzia Menapace, Jonas Galle, Chola Elangeswaran and Advenit Makaya
Metals 2026, 16(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020238 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 484
Abstract
Two aluminum alloys (4043 and 6061) were fabricated using the innovative Molten Metal Deposition (MMD) technique. Three types of samples were produced by varying selected deposition parameters. The quality of the resulting components was assessed in terms of defects, density, and microstructure. In [...] Read more.
Two aluminum alloys (4043 and 6061) were fabricated using the innovative Molten Metal Deposition (MMD) technique. Three types of samples were produced by varying selected deposition parameters. The quality of the resulting components was assessed in terms of defects, density, and microstructure. In the 4043 alloy, the microstructure consists of α-Al dendrites surrounded by an Al–Si eutectic phase. All 4043 samples exhibited this microstructure, regardless of the deposition parameters. The mechanical response was preliminarily evaluated through HV0.5 microhardness measurements. The indentations produced under a 500 g load enabled the assessment of the contribution of both the α-Al matrix and the surrounding Al–Si eutectic. As for the 6061 alloy, its microstructure is composed of an α-Al matrix containing dispersed Al–Si–Fe intermetallics. Some oxide particles were observed at the grain boundaries, indicating the need for processing under a controlled atmosphere. In this study, no inert shielding atmosphere was used for the fabrication of the samples. Thanks to its high processing speed, sustainability, and ease of deployment, MMD can be regarded as a viable alternative to more conventional additive manufacturing technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Light Alloys)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2944 KB  
Article
Nano-Pigment Cr2O3 Preparation from Chromium Slag by Alkaline Roasting, Water Leaching, Glucose Reduction and Vacuum Calcination
by Huiwen Li, Zhe Gao, Shaoxiong Li, Haocheng Qin, Qianfang Yan, Zhaowang Dong, Xiangfeng Kong, Bin Yang and Hongwei Yang
Metals 2026, 16(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020237 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 320
Abstract
Metallurgical chromium slag is a hazardous by-product generated during the production of chromium salts and metallic chromium, containing significant amounts of leachable Cr(VI), which poses severe environmental and human health risks. To address this challenge, this study presents an integrated “alkaline roasting, water [...] Read more.
Metallurgical chromium slag is a hazardous by-product generated during the production of chromium salts and metallic chromium, containing significant amounts of leachable Cr(VI), which poses severe environmental and human health risks. To address this challenge, this study presents an integrated “alkaline roasting, water leaching with impurity removal, glucose reduction and vacuum calcination” process for its direct preparation to nano-pigment-grade Cr2O3. The reduction process was systematically optimized by investigating the effects of critical parameters: glucose dosage, HCl concentration, reduction temperature and time. Optimal conditions were established as 2.5 g of C6H12O6, 20 mL of 12 M HCl, 55 °C and 4 h, achieving the Cr(VI) reduction efficiency of 99.66%. Comprehensive characterization of the final product via XRD, SEM-EDS and XRF confirmed its high quality. The Cr2O3 exhibited a purity of 99.31%, well-developed crystallinity and a uniform sub-micron particle size distribution, fully meeting industrial standards for pigment applications. By substituting conventional hazardous reductants with glucose, this route demonstrates enhanced safety, environmental compatibility and cost-effectiveness. The proposed methodology not only provides a practical and scalable solution for the valorization of hazardous chromium slag but also contributes to the advancement of green processing technologies in the metallurgical sector, supporting the transition towards a circular economy. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6238 KB  
Article
Enhancing the Selective Reduction of Nickel to Prepare FeNi50 Alloy from Saprolite-Type Laterite by CO-CO2 Gas Pretreatment
by Zhichao Hu, Zhengliang Xue, Guihua Hang, Guo Lin, Wei Wang, Fang Huang and Yaqi Wang
Metals 2026, 16(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020236 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 277
Abstract
Owing to the superior reduction kinetics of limonite and goethite relative to silicates, coupled with the poor beneficiation performance of saprolite-type laterite, the direct carbothermal reduction of saprolite-type laterite exhibits limited nickel selectivity. This study leverages the selective oxidation effect of CO-CO2 [...] Read more.
Owing to the superior reduction kinetics of limonite and goethite relative to silicates, coupled with the poor beneficiation performance of saprolite-type laterite, the direct carbothermal reduction of saprolite-type laterite exhibits limited nickel selectivity. This study leverages the selective oxidation effect of CO-CO2 atmosphere on the metallic iron of pre-reduced minerals, as well as its suppression of Fe2+ reduction, to promote iron migration from oxides to the silicate phase, achieving homogenization and thereby negating its kinetic advantage in reduction. Parameter optimization experiments revealed that treating pre-reduced minerals with a 30 vol% CO atmosphere at 1200 °C for 20 min achieves complete iron homogenization within the silicate phase. Compared with the nickel–iron alloy (containing less than 10 wt% Ni) obtained via the RKEF process, the combination of pre-reduction, CO-CO2 treatment, and the melting reduction process yielded nickel–iron alloys with nickel contents of 52.1 wt% (FeNi50 alloy) and 64.2 wt% at carbon consumptions of 4.0 wt% and 3.83 wt%, respectively, accompanied by nickel recovery rates of 95.5% and 91.2%. Furthermore, the enrichment of Fe2+ in the slag significantly reduces its melting point to approximately 1450 °C, enabling complete slag–metal separation after smelting at 1550 °C for 10 min. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Extractive Metallurgy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4631 KB  
Article
Effect of Metallic Y and CaF2 on Deoxidation and Inclusion Removal in an SHS-TiAl Alloy
by Kunjie Peng, Hang Guo, Guangyao Chen, Zhihe Dou, Xinmei Hou and Chonghe Li
Metals 2026, 16(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020235 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 295
Abstract
In this study, the metallic Y, CaF2, and sponge Ti were employed to regulate the composition and achieve the deoxidation of the SHS-TiAl alloy, respectively. The results indicate that the metallic Y could effectively reduce the oxygen concentration of the SHS-TiAl [...] Read more.
In this study, the metallic Y, CaF2, and sponge Ti were employed to regulate the composition and achieve the deoxidation of the SHS-TiAl alloy, respectively. The results indicate that the metallic Y could effectively reduce the oxygen concentration of the SHS-TiAl alloys, which could all be controlled below 0.06 wt.%. The alloying control of SHS-TiAl could be further realized by adding sponge Ti with the achievement of a typical α + γ phase microstructure. Additionally, the CaF2 could adsorb the Y2O3 products, which were formed during the deoxidation reaction. However, due to the relatively high initial oxygen content in the SHS-TiAl alloy, the generated Y2O3 could not be fully removed, leading to the partial inclusions remaining in the alloy matrix. Also, the residual Y would react with Al in the alloy to form YAl2 inclusions. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6008 KB  
Article
Effect of Competitive Precipitation and Texture Weakening on Mechanical Properties in a Mg-Gd-Y-Nd-Zr Alloy Processed by Integrated Multi-Directional Forging and Extrusion
by Liqun Guan, Honglei Wang, Yingchun Wan, Jian Chen, Lidan Fan and Feifei Ji
Metals 2026, 16(2), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020234 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 276
Abstract
As the lightest metallic structural material, magnesium alloys face a fundamental trade-off between strength and ductility, limiting their broader application. This study investigates a processing approach to overcome this limitation by systematically comparing the effects of direct extrusion and a multi-directional forging (MDF) [...] Read more.
As the lightest metallic structural material, magnesium alloys face a fundamental trade-off between strength and ductility, limiting their broader application. This study investigates a processing approach to overcome this limitation by systematically comparing the effects of direct extrusion and a multi-directional forging (MDF) combined extrusion process on a Mg-8Gd-4Y-1Nd-0.5Zr alloy. The results demonstrate that MDF pretreatment effectively refines grains and enhances dynamic precipitation. It also significantly weakens the texture, reducing the intensity from 11.14 to 3.98 and tilting the {0001} basal planes by approximately 30° from the extrusion direction. This texture weakening is attributed to the combined effects of particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN) and the orientation diversity introduced by pre-forging, which promote orientation randomization during recrystallization. The alloy processed by the combined route exhibits an excellent strength–ductility synergy in the as-extruded state, with ultimate tensile strength, tensile yield strength, and elongation reaching 315 MPa, 228 MPa, and 13.1%, respectively. After peak aging, the strength further increases to 429 MPa and 323 MPa while maintaining a ductility of 7.3%. Schmid factor analysis confirms that the combined process facilitates the activation of non-basal slip and improves strain compatibility through multi-slip activity, providing an effective pathway for developing high-performance wrought magnesium alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1987 KB  
Article
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Young’s Modulus in Ti-Alloys
by Seza Dinibutun, Yousef Alshammari and Leandro Bolzoni
Metals 2026, 16(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020233 - 19 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 467
Abstract
This study explores the use of machine learning to predict the experimental Young’s modulus of titanium alloys based on their mechanical and microstructural properties. Several regression models were developed and compared, including Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and a Stacking Regressor. Among [...] Read more.
This study explores the use of machine learning to predict the experimental Young’s modulus of titanium alloys based on their mechanical and microstructural properties. Several regression models were developed and compared, including Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and a Stacking Regressor. Among these, Random Forest, XGBoost and CatBoost achieved the most accurate results with R2 values above 0.85. To improve interpretability, SHapley Additive exPlanations were applied to examine which input features most strongly influenced the predictions. The results showed that yield strength, hardness, and the molybdenum equivalent parameter (moe) were among the most influential descriptors. While yield strength and hardness were positively associated with the predicted values, higher moe values corresponded to lower predicted Young’s modulus. This study focuses on the prediction of Young’s modulus, a comparatively less explored elastic property in Ti-alloy machine learning studies and combines systematic model comparison with SHAP-based interpretability to provide physically consistent insights into feature–property relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning Models in Metals (2nd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3330 KB  
Article
Effect of Height Difference Between Adjacent Liquid Injection Holes on Wetting Body Evolution of Ion-Absorbed Rare Earth In Situ Leaching Ore
by Qiang Huang, Chunlei Zhang, Yunzhang Rao, Guozhu Rao, Jiazheng Wan, Yangjun Xie and Qiande Lai
Metals 2026, 16(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020232 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 343
Abstract
This study investigated wetting body migration and blind area distribution variations under different height differences (Δh) using indoor experiments and numerical simulations. Results show that the Δh of the injection hole shifts the wetting body intersection backward. Due to the increase in Δh, [...] Read more.
This study investigated wetting body migration and blind area distribution variations under different height differences (Δh) using indoor experiments and numerical simulations. Results show that the Δh of the injection hole shifts the wetting body intersection backward. Due to the increase in Δh, the vertical migration of the wetting peak at the No. 1 liquid injection hole accelerates, and the horizontal migration tends to be stable, which indicates that the Δh promotes the vertical seepage by changing the hydraulic gradient, which is beneficial to accelerate the leaching process. The migration of the wetting peak presents the characteristics of ‘fast first and then slow’, and it is easy to form a blind area in the later stage of leaching. When Δh is 0 and 3 cm, the blind area is concentrated between the two holes in the upper part of the ore heap. When Δh increases to 5 and 7 cm, the blind area expands to the top of the No. 1 hole. The simulation results show that although the increase in Δh can accelerate the recovery of water pressure in the near-end injection hole, it will increase the difference in leaching efficiency between ‘near-end’: when Δh is small, the wetting body diffuses symmetrically and the blind area is easy to eliminate; the increase in Δh leads to the asymmetric migration of the wetting body, and the remote area faces a significant risk of a blind area due to a low water pressure and low concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rare Earth Element Extraction, Recovery, Separation and Purification)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5540 KB  
Article
Investigation of the Mechanical Properties and Friction Coefficient of Cr/CrTiAl and Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl PVD Coatings Deposited on 42CrMo4 QT Steel
by Yavor Sofronov, Boyan Dochev, Valentin Mishev, Antonio Nikolov, Krum Petrov, Rayna Dimitrova, Milko Yordanov, Milko Angelov, Georgi Todorov and Krassimir Marchev
Metals 2026, 16(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020231 - 17 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 472
Abstract
Test specimens fabricated from 42CrMo4 steel were subjected to heat treatment comprising quenching followed by high-temperature tempering. This treatment is commonly referred to as hardening, and the result is a tempered sorbite microstructure that provides a balanced combination of strength and plasticity. In [...] Read more.
Test specimens fabricated from 42CrMo4 steel were subjected to heat treatment comprising quenching followed by high-temperature tempering. This treatment is commonly referred to as hardening, and the result is a tempered sorbite microstructure that provides a balanced combination of strength and plasticity. In order to improve the hardness and wear resistance of the contact surfaces, two types of physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings were deposited onto the specimens: the first was a two-component architecture Cr/CrTiAl and the second was a multilayer Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl. In both configurations, an intermediate chromium adhesion layer was initially deposited to enhance interfacial bonding with the substrate. The adhesion strength of the deposited coatings to the steel substrates was evaluated using a standardized adhesion test. The adhesion quality was classified as HF1 (the highest adhesion class in the HF1–HF6 scale, defined in EN ISO 26443), indicating excellent interfacial bonding. The hardness and modulus of elasticity of both coatings were determined through nanoindentation. According to the measured hardness values of the two coatings, 27.3 GPa (Cr/CrTiAl) and 37.5 GPa (Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl), they can be classified as hard coatings (hardness greater than 20 GPa). Despite the difference in hardness, the two coatings have comparable elastic modulus values: Eit = 353 GPa for the two-component architecture coating and Eit = 349 GPa for the three-component architecture coating. Tribological characterization was performed using the ball-on-disc method under dry sliding conditions over a total sliding distance of 59 m, whereby the friction coefficient (µ) was recorded. Additionally, the wear rate of the applied coatings was calculated from the measured wear volumes or profiles. The two coatings have comparable friction coefficient values (Cr/CrTiAl–μ = 0.362, Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl–μ = 0.325), but the three-component architecture coating Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl has a lower wear rate (k = 1.64 × 10−4) compared to the two-component architecture coating Cr/CrTiAl, which has a wear rate of k = 7.6 × 10−4. The investigated coatings have hardness, modulus of elasticity and friction coefficient values competitive with those of nitride coatings (two-component architecture and three-component architecture), and their wear rate also corresponds to generally accepted values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Surface Modification of Metallic Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3262 KB  
Article
Investigation on Cryogenic Tensile Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution in Bimodal Non-Basal Textured AZ31 Mg Alloy Sheet
by Qiushuo Gao, Sha Zhan, Lijia Wang and Li Hu
Metals 2026, 16(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020230 - 17 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
An AZ31 magnesium (Mg) alloy sheet with a bimodal non-basal texture (BNT sample) exhibits significant potential for a lightweight component design in the aerospace field. However, its mechanical properties and microstructure characteristics during plastic deformation under service conditions when approaching cryogenic temperatures have [...] Read more.
An AZ31 magnesium (Mg) alloy sheet with a bimodal non-basal texture (BNT sample) exhibits significant potential for a lightweight component design in the aerospace field. However, its mechanical properties and microstructure characteristics during plastic deformation under service conditions when approaching cryogenic temperatures have not been thoroughly investigated. Aiming to elucidate this issue, cryogenic tensile experiments were conducted on a BNT sample and its control group (BT sample), which possesses the typical basal texture. Furthermore, relationships between the underlying deformation mechanisms and the deformation behavior of studied sheets were investigated through a synergistic approach combining a variety of characterization techniques with visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) simulations. The BNT sample shows 109.1% higher ductility (~0.23 fracture elongation, FE) but 40.2% lower 0.2% proof yield stress (YS) (~155 MPa) than its BT counterpart during cryogenic tensile deformation. As for the BNT sample, initial deformation is governed by a basal ⟨a⟩ slip and {10-12} extension twin (ET). The latter mainly contributes to accommodate intergranular plastic deformation, and this role cannot be captured in VPSC modeling. Subsequent activation of unusual {10-12}-{10-12} double twin (DT), instead of pyramidal <c+a> slip, enhances strain accommodation, boosting ductility. The discrepancy between simulation and experimental results also primarily stems from the lack of explicit incorporation of {10-12}-{10-12} DT. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3618 KB  
Article
Effect of Process Parameters on the Forming Limit Angle of AA2024 Aluminum Alloy in Belt-Heated Incremental Sheet Forming
by Zhengyuan Gao, Zhibing Li, Zhengfang Li, Zhiguo An, Pengfei Sun, Zhong Ren, Jiang Li, Yi Zhang, Han Lin and Zhengyang Qiao
Metals 2026, 16(2), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020229 - 16 Feb 2026
Viewed by 378
Abstract
In the belt-heated incremental sheet forming process, the influence of process parameters on the forming limit angle significantly affects the forming accuracy and quality of components. Through macro and micro experiments, this study comprehensively analyzed the effect of key process parameters on the [...] Read more.
In the belt-heated incremental sheet forming process, the influence of process parameters on the forming limit angle significantly affects the forming accuracy and quality of components. Through macro and micro experiments, this study comprehensively analyzed the effect of key process parameters on the forming limit angle and identified forming temperature, tool head diameter, and step down as the primary factors that enhance the forming limit angle. Building on this, the dislocation density and grain size of the material under various forming temperatures, tool head diameters, and step-down values were investigated, clarifying the influence of these parameters on dislocation density and grain size in belt-heated incremental sheet forming. Furthermore, the dislocation density and grain size in the cross-section of the deformed region were calculated through micro-tests, revealing the variation patterns of dislocation density and grain size under different process conditions. These findings verified the macro–micro mechanism of the effect of process parameters on the forming limit angle and led to the establishment of a control method for the forming limit angle in belt-heated incremental sheet forming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Metallic Materials and Forming Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5202 KB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Pre-Deformation and Quenching Method on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy 2219
by Zhibiao Wang, Kekun Xu, Yahao Chen, Liwei Xie and Zhuo Zhang
Metals 2026, 16(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020228 - 16 Feb 2026
Viewed by 347
Abstract
This study investigated high-speed air-atomized water-mist impingement cooling of 2219 aluminum alloy plates using a self-developed spray-quenching setup. Cooling intensity was controlled by varying the water loading fraction, and cooling curves were recorded using embedded thermocouples. Solution–aging treatments with conventional water quenching and [...] Read more.
This study investigated high-speed air-atomized water-mist impingement cooling of 2219 aluminum alloy plates using a self-developed spray-quenching setup. Cooling intensity was controlled by varying the water loading fraction, and cooling curves were recorded using embedded thermocouples. Solution–aging treatments with conventional water quenching and mist quenching were performed, and multi-pass pre-deformation routes were applied before and/or after solution treatment. Tensile properties were evaluated at room temperature. Mist impingement cooling achieved markedly higher cooling rates than air cooling, with peak values in the order of 103 °C/s. Higher cooling intensity improved quenching efficiency and increased strength after aging. Multi-pass pre-deformation enhanced yield strength, but reduced elongation at high deformation levels, revealing a strength–ductility trade-off. These results provide guidance for optimizing quenching and pre-deformation parameters in heat treatment of 2219 aluminum alloy components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1005 KB  
Article
Experimental Determination and Model Prediction of the Surface Tension of CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3-CaF2 Slag
by Zhimin Ding, Yongchun Guo and Mengyao Li
Metals 2026, 16(2), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020227 - 16 Feb 2026
Viewed by 270
Abstract
In this study, the surface tension of molten slag was measured using the hanging ring method. Based on the ion and molecular coexistence theory (IMCT), an activity prediction model for the CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3-CaF2 slag system was established, [...] Read more.
In this study, the surface tension of molten slag was measured using the hanging ring method. Based on the ion and molecular coexistence theory (IMCT), an activity prediction model for the CaO-SiO2-MgO-Al2O3-CaF2 slag system was established, and a corresponding surface tension model was subsequently derived. The investigation explores the effects of basicity R = (w(CaO)/w(SiO2)), the mass ratio w(MgO)/w(Al2O3), and the Al2O3 mass fraction (w, mass fraction of the corresponding oxide). Results show that the surface tension increases with higher values of R, w(MgO)/w(Al2O3), and w(Al2O3) content. The proposed model exhibits high predictive accuracy and provides a reliable tool for evaluating the surface tension of multicomponent blast furnace slags. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 7300 KB  
Article
Grain Size Governs Mechanical Properties of Roll-Bonded C7701/Ti/C7701 (Cu–Ni–Zn Alloy) Composite Foils via a Bonding–Diffusion–Intermetallic Cascade
by Rui Chen, Zhihe Dou, Hongmei Zhang and Tingan Zhang
Metals 2026, 16(2), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020226 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 281
Abstract
Grain size plays a decisive role in governing the interface evolution and mechanical properties of ultra-thin metal composite foils. This study systematically investigates this relationship in roll-bonded C7701/Ti/C7701 (Cu-Ni-Zn alloy) composite foils. By controlling the initial grain size via pre-annealing, we demonstrate that [...] Read more.
Grain size plays a decisive role in governing the interface evolution and mechanical properties of ultra-thin metal composite foils. This study systematically investigates this relationship in roll-bonded C7701/Ti/C7701 (Cu-Ni-Zn alloy) composite foils. By controlling the initial grain size via pre-annealing, we demonstrate that a moderate grain size (~7–8 μm) optimally regulates a sequential “bonding–diffusion–intermetallic compound (IMC) formation” process at the interface. This results in a continuous, thin IMC layer and the best strength–ductility synergy (e.g., UTS ~217.5 MPa, elongation ~4.15%). In contrast, excessively fine or coarse grains lead to thick, brittle IMCs or interfacial defects, respectively, degrading performance. The mechanism by which grain size influences performance is revealed through a sequential mechanism of “bonding–diffusion–intermetallic compound formation.” Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Fabrication and Characterization Techniques for Metal Powder Composites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 23791 KB  
Article
Enhanced Thermal Stability of Ni@TiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles
by Lucia Bajtošová, Nikoleta Štaffenová, Elena Chochoľaková, Jan Hanuš, Vladimír Šíma and Miroslav Cieslar
Metals 2026, 16(2), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020225 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Ni@TiO2 core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized by magnetron sputtering and their structure verified by HRTEM and EDS analysis. The thermal stability of these particles was investigated using in situ TEM annealing and compared with that of pure Ni nanoparticles. While pure Ni particles [...] Read more.
Ni@TiO2 core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized by magnetron sputtering and their structure verified by HRTEM and EDS analysis. The thermal stability of these particles was investigated using in situ TEM annealing and compared with that of pure Ni nanoparticles. While pure Ni particles sinter at 450 °C and exhibit significant growth at 800 °C, Ni@TiO2 nanoparticles remain stable up to 700 °C, with the sintering onset between 700 and 800 °C. A simple thermal-mismatch model was applied to explain the stabilizing effect of the TiO2 shell, demonstrating that differences in thermal expansion between Ni and TiO2 generate interface stresses sufficient to crack the shell after the amorphous–rutile transformation. The TiO2 coating effectively delays Ni coalescence by 250 °C relative to bare Ni, highlighting its role as a protective shell against high-temperature sintering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structural Integrity of Metals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4709 KB  
Article
Experimental Investigations of Oxidation Formation During Pulsed Laser Surface Structuring on Stainless Steel AISI 304
by Tuğrul Özel and Faik Derya Ince
Metals 2026, 16(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020224 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 431
Abstract
Laser surface texturing (LST) structures or laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are typically created using laser pulses with durations ranging from femtoseconds to nanoseconds. However, nanosecond pulsed lasers, as cost-effective and more productive alternatives, can also be used to generate LST structures on [...] Read more.
Laser surface texturing (LST) structures or laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are typically created using laser pulses with durations ranging from femtoseconds to nanoseconds. However, nanosecond pulsed lasers, as cost-effective and more productive alternatives, can also be used to generate LST structures on stainless steel (SS) surfaces, making these structures more suitable for industrial applications. In this study, pulsed laser processing is employed to create LST structures on SS (AISI 304), with varying pulse and accumulated fluences, effective pulse counts, and scan parameters, such as pulse-to-pulse distance (pitch) and hatch spacing between scanning lines. A methodology for calculating oxidation density on processed AISI 304 surfaces is presented. Oxidation density, defined as the ratio of the oxidized area to the total processed area, is determined as a function of accumulated fluence, laser power, pulse-to-pulse distance, and hatch spacing. Optical images of the surfaces are analyzed, and oxidation regions are identified using machine learning techniques. The images are converted to grayscale, and machine learning algorithms are applied to classify the images into oxidation and non-oxidation regions based on pixel intensity values. This approach identifies the optimal threshold for separating the two regions by maximizing inter-class variance. Experimental modeling using response surface methodology is applied to experimentally generated data. Optimization algorithms are then employed to determine the process parameters that maximize pulsed laser irradiation performance while minimizing surface oxidation and processing time. This paper also presents a novel method for characterizing oxidation density using image segmentation and machine learning. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the process and offer optimized models, contributing valuable insights for practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coating of Metallic Materials (2nd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 5329 KB  
Article
Acoustic and Mechanical Performance of Cu-Si Alloys for Application in Temple Bells
by Chun-Soo Won, Jae Pil Jung and Daniel Youngmin Park
Metals 2026, 16(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020223 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 389
Abstract
Bronze (Cu-Sn) alloys have long been used as the standard material for constructing temple bells because of their superior strength and acoustic properties. However, due to the rising cost of tin, alternative materials for the production of temple bells have been sought after [...] Read more.
Bronze (Cu-Sn) alloys have long been used as the standard material for constructing temple bells because of their superior strength and acoustic properties. However, due to the rising cost of tin, alternative materials for the production of temple bells have been sought after in both academia and industry. Cu-Si alloys containing 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 wt% Si were fabricated by casting and evaluated in terms of their mechanical, structural and acoustic properties compared with a conventional Cu-15.5 wt% Sn alloy. Tensile strength, yield strength, elastic modulus, impact toughness, and hardness were measured alongside natural frequency and damping ratio. The results show that increasing Si content up to 6.0 wt% leads to enhanced strength, increased natural frequency, and reduced damping ratio, while Si content of 8.0 wt% results in brittle microstructural features and degraded performance. Overall, Cu-6.0 wt% Si exhibited mechanical properties superior to or comparable with Cu-15.5 wt% Sn alloy, alongside a higher-pitched, longer-lasting sound. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4422 KB  
Article
Corrosion Behavior of AISI 904L Austenitic Stainless Steel in High-Temperature and High-Pressure Water Environment
by Kewei Fang, Yan Liu, Kunjie Luo, Jian Shen, Jundong Lu and Erwei Liu
Metals 2026, 16(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020222 - 14 Feb 2026
Viewed by 494
Abstract
AISI 904L stainless steel (904L SS) is a promising material for nuclear power plant primary circuits due to its superior corrosion resistance, but its corrosion behavior under simulated high-temperature and high-pressure water environments with different microstructures remains poorly understood. In order to systematically [...] Read more.
AISI 904L stainless steel (904L SS) is a promising material for nuclear power plant primary circuits due to its superior corrosion resistance, but its corrosion behavior under simulated high-temperature and high-pressure water environments with different microstructures remains poorly understood. In order to systematically investigate and clarify the electrochemical behavior and corrosion behavior under stress of 904L SS with three different microstructures (as-received, sensitized, and solution-treated) in a simulated primary circuit water environment of a nuclear power plant, experiments are conducted using dynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and U-bend immersion methods. The results show that temperature has a significant effect on corrosion resistance. As the temperature increases, the impedance of all microstructures decreases significantly, the passivation zone narrows, and the corrosion current density increases. Under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, the corrosion resistance of the sensitized samples is the worst, while the samples treated with solution have the best overall performance. That is, microstructural optimization through solution treatment can effectively enhance the high-temperature and high-stress corrosion resistance of 904LSS in the primary circuit water environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion Mechanisms and Cutting-Edge Protection Technologies for Advanced Alloy Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3136 KB  
Article
Effect of Hatch Spacing on Microstructure, Defect Formation and Properties of Additively Manufactured A7075 Alloy
by Adam Ismaeel, Zongxu Chen, Xuexiong Li, Xirui Jia, Ali Jamea, Xuanming Feng, Xiaohu Chen, Dongsheng Xu and Weining Lei
Metals 2026, 16(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020221 - 14 Feb 2026
Viewed by 307
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of microstructure evolution and defect formation, and their influence on mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms (from crack initiation to failure stage), is essential for manufacturing high-strength, fatigue-resistant A7075 alloy by selective laser melting (SLM). In this investigation, the A7075 alloy [...] Read more.
Understanding the mechanisms of microstructure evolution and defect formation, and their influence on mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms (from crack initiation to failure stage), is essential for manufacturing high-strength, fatigue-resistant A7075 alloy by selective laser melting (SLM). In this investigation, the A7075 alloy was fabricated using a laser power of 350 W with various hatch spacings of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 μm, and scanning speeds of 800, 1100, and 1300 mm/s. The results show that the alloy exhibits an equiaxed grain structure, which varies from coarse grains at small hatch spacing and low scanning speed to fine grains with increasing hatch spacing and scanning speed. The alloys exhibit low tensile strength due to solidification cracking and pores. However, this tensile strength increases with hatch spacing, while it decreases with scanning speed. At small hatch spacing and low scanning speed, fracture occurs through the coalescence of pores and solidification cracking along the weakly bonded grain boundaries (GBs) due to eutectic growth along these boundaries. In contrast, with increasing hatch spacing and scanning speed, fracture occurs through solidification cracking and coalescence of pores. This research provides valuable insights into the microstructure evolution, defect formation, and fracture mechanisms of the A7075 alloy under common processing conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufactured Metal Structural Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 6005 KB  
Article
Effect of Mo on Corrosion Performance of Inner Bottom Plate of Corrosion-Resistant Storage Tank Steel
by Jun Hong, Yuanyuan Chen, Yongqi Yang, Ruize Zhang, Chuyan Zhou, Qiang Yu and Qingfeng Wang
Metals 2026, 16(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020220 - 14 Feb 2026
Viewed by 322
Abstract
To explore the improvement of the corrosion resistance of the inner bottom plate of corrosion-resistant storage tank steel and the effects and underlying mechanisms of varying molybdenum (Mo) contents (0Mo, 0.15 wt.%Mo, 0.30 wt.%Mo, and 0.60 wt.%Mo), a systematic study is conducted on [...] Read more.
To explore the improvement of the corrosion resistance of the inner bottom plate of corrosion-resistant storage tank steel and the effects and underlying mechanisms of varying molybdenum (Mo) contents (0Mo, 0.15 wt.%Mo, 0.30 wt.%Mo, and 0.60 wt.%Mo), a systematic study is conducted on the corrosion performance of the steel in a simulated environment (10 wt.% NaCl solution, 30 ± 1 °C). The findings reveal that the steel containing 0.3 wt.% Mo possesses superior corrosion resistance. An optimal dosage of Mo refines corrosion products and fills voids via the formation of nano-scale MoO2/MoO3 particles, mediates the evolution of γ-FeOOH towards α-FeOOH, and improves the protective capability and electrochemical stability of the rust layer. Nevertheless, excessive Mo leads to the residual of elemental Mo arising from incomplete oxidation, which constructs a galvanic cell with Fe, thereby accelerating corrosion. Additionally, an excessively high proportion of MoO3 triggers elevated internal stress and structural degradation of the rust layer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion and Protection)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7179 KB  
Article
Determining Material Characteristics for Finite Element Simulations of Plastic Forming of the EN AW-7075 Aluminum Alloy
by Piotr Korczak, Bartłomiej Płonka, Dariusz Leśniak, Krzysztof Remsak and Konrad Żyłka
Metals 2026, 16(2), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020219 - 14 Feb 2026
Viewed by 310
Abstract
FEM numerical analyses can be indicated as a common and basic tool used in the design of processes based on the plastic forming of metals. In such simulations, the accuracy of the results strongly depends on the quality of the material constitutive data [...] Read more.
FEM numerical analyses can be indicated as a common and basic tool used in the design of processes based on the plastic forming of metals. In such simulations, the accuracy of the results strongly depends on the quality of the material constitutive data used as the input. Good understanding of metals and their alloys’ deformation behavior, especially at hot working temperatures, is the key to developing or optimizing proper and economical processes. To provide reliable FEM simulation results, it is crucial to select an appropriate experimental method describing material behavior at elevated deformation temperatures. The most commonly method used for this is hot torsion tests, which can effectively provide a basis for developing constitutive models (for example, the Hensel–Spittel equation), but also produce the material constants needed to fully describe the behavior of the metal. This paper analyzes three experimental methods, compression testing, torsion testing, and spherical probe pressing, for determining material flow stress characteristics required for FEM simulations. The study focuses on the EN AW-7075 alloy, a high-strength aluminum alloy with limited hot workability. The methods were validated by comparing FEM predictions of extrusion force and profile temperature with results from industrial extrusion trials conducted on a 5 MN horizontal press. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computation and Simulation on Metals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2974 KB  
Article
Study on the Microstructure Evolution of Mg-1Ca-(2Ag) Alloys During Hot Rolling and Its Corrosion Properties
by Qingfu Qian, Daliang Sun, Zaijiu Li, Qinglin Jin and Yikai Sun
Metals 2026, 16(2), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020218 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Magnesium alloys’ poor corrosion resistance limits their applications as biodegradable bone repair materials. Alloying tailors Mg alloys’ microstructure and properties. The present study investigates the effect of 2 wt.% Ag addition on the microstructure and initial corrosion behavior of hot-rolled Mg-1Ca alloy. Mg-1Ca [...] Read more.
Magnesium alloys’ poor corrosion resistance limits their applications as biodegradable bone repair materials. Alloying tailors Mg alloys’ microstructure and properties. The present study investigates the effect of 2 wt.% Ag addition on the microstructure and initial corrosion behavior of hot-rolled Mg-1Ca alloy. Mg-1Ca and Mg-1Ca-2Ag alloys were prepared by melting using Mg-2Ca and Mg-4Ag master alloys, followed by homogenization at 400 °C for 2 h, hot rolling, and stress-relief annealing at 400 °C for 6 h. The alloys were systematically characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Initial corrosion behavior was evaluated via 3 h immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF). Results reveal Ag’s high thermal diffusivity promotes segregation at tensile twin boundaries, forming Ag3Mg nanoparticles. These nanoparticles hinder grain boundary migration and, with increased deformation, facilitate grain rotation and high-angle grain boundary formation, weakening texture. Internal stress accumulation near twin boundaries—driven by grain orientation variation and nanoparticles—induces ~86° rotation of {10–12} tensile twins around the c-axis, forming double twins. During corrosion, nanoparticles and double twins synergistically promote dense protective film formation, significantly reducing corrosion rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Heat Treatment of Metallic Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5086 KB  
Article
Enhancement of Mechanical Strength and Degradation Rate of Mg-5Al Alloy by Fe Addition via SPS Rapid Densification for Fracturing Applications
by Dong Xiang, Yiting Song, Jinshan Ai and Sheng Li
Metals 2026, 16(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020217 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 338
Abstract
With surging demand for oil and gas resources, staged fracturing is becoming extremely important, and fracturing material is the key factor in exploration. Recently developed Mg-Al alloys cannot simultaneously achieve high strength and rapid degradation, limiting their widespread application in the exploration. To [...] Read more.
With surging demand for oil and gas resources, staged fracturing is becoming extremely important, and fracturing material is the key factor in exploration. Recently developed Mg-Al alloys cannot simultaneously achieve high strength and rapid degradation, limiting their widespread application in the exploration. To address this issue, this study utilized the rapid densification technology of spark plasma sintering (SPS) to sinter Mg, Al, and Fe powders at a ratio of Mg-5Al-Fe (0, 2, 4, 6 wt.%) under a temperature of 510 °C and a pressure of 35 MPa for 800 s. And this study conducted investigations on the microstructure, mechanical strength and degradation rate of the alloy through scanning electron microscope, hardness and compression tests, as well as immersion experiments. The results indicated that SPS enabled rapid powders densification and grain refinement, and the addition of Fe particles formed a second-phase strengthening which could block dislocation, thereby increasing mechanical strength. The ultimate compressive strength (UCS) was increased from 189.37 ± 6.12 MPa for Mg-5Al to 421.21 ± 12.31 MPa for Mg-5Al-6Fe. Furthermore, the addition of Fe accelerated the degradation rate, with the Mg-5Al-6Fe alloys reaching 45.26 ± 2.6 mm/year. Meanwhile, the alloys also had a low density of 1.38 ± 0.027–1.53 ± 0.030 g/cm3, which could effectively reduce the pumping energy consumption of fracturing fluids. These characteristics met the core requirements of degradable fracturing balls, showing the great potential of Mg-5Al-Fe alloys for staged fracturing. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4289 KB  
Article
Effect of Si, Mn, V and B on the Electrical Resistivity of 8030 Aluminum Rods
by Qingping Yang and Huixin Jin
Metals 2026, 16(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020216 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 410
Abstract
The non-renewable nature of traditional fossil fuels, along with the environmental and health hazards posed by their emissions, underscores the urgent need to reduce transmission losses in power grids. This study employs single-variable experiments, first-principles calculations, and thermodynamic calculations. The results show that, [...] Read more.
The non-renewable nature of traditional fossil fuels, along with the environmental and health hazards posed by their emissions, underscores the urgent need to reduce transmission losses in power grids. This study employs single-variable experiments, first-principles calculations, and thermodynamic calculations. The results show that, although the mass fraction and increment of Si are greater than those of Mn and V, the increase in electrical resistivity of 8030 aluminum rods caused by Si is only slightly higher than that caused by Mn and V. In contrast, trace additions of Mn and V significantly increase electrical resistivity, with respective increments of about 0.353 ± 0.011 nΩ·m/0.01 wt.% (Mn) and 0.373 ± 0.009 nΩ·m/0.01 wt.% (V). Si has a weaker effect on electrical resistivity, with an increment of approximately 0.052 ± 0.001 nΩ·m/0.01 wt.% (Si), and the increase in electrical resistivity diminishes as the Si mass fraction increases. The study also shows that at 700 °C for 30 min, a stable, high-density VB2 phase forms. With an average density more than twice that of the melt, VB2 settles at the bottom of the melt and effectively removes V. These findings are significant for producing 8030 aluminum rods with lower electrical resistivity. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 5604 KB  
Article
Optimization and Stress Analysis of Welded Joints in Deep-Sea Titanium Alloy Spherical-Cylindrical Pressure Hull
by Keke Ge, Bowen Zhang, Qiang Xu and Aifeng Zhang
Metals 2026, 16(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020215 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 356
Abstract
A spherical-cylindrical pressure hull is a new form of pressure-resistant structure that is distinguished from traditional large deep-sea equipment. The residual stresses and deformations introduced by out-of-tolerance welded joints pose a great threat to structural safety under deep-sea service conditions. In this paper, [...] Read more.
A spherical-cylindrical pressure hull is a new form of pressure-resistant structure that is distinguished from traditional large deep-sea equipment. The residual stresses and deformations introduced by out-of-tolerance welded joints pose a great threat to structural safety under deep-sea service conditions. In this paper, the angular joint of the spherical-cylindrical structure is optimized as a skirted butt joint, and the simulation method is employed to focus on the changes in stress and deformation in the two structural models before and after applying 20 MPa external pressure. The results identify that under hydrostatic pressure, the stress level in the skirt model decreases significantly compared to the residual stress of welding, while the stress in the fillet model increases slightly at the local location. After unloading, the structural stress and deformation return to the post-weld state. The effect of heat treatment on stress relief is very significant and can improve the bearing capacity of the structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structural Integrity of Metals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1834 KB  
Article
Selective Electrochemical Leaching of Copper from Fragmented Waste Printed Circuit Boards in an Alkaline Sulfate–Glycine Electrolyte
by Olesya Tyumentseva, Kaster Kamunur, Lyazzat Mussapyrova, Aisulu Batkal and Rashid Nadirov
Metals 2026, 16(2), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020214 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are a highly concentrated secondary source of copper. However, their complex and heterogeneous composition significantly complicates the selective extraction of metals. This study examined the feasibility of direct electrochemical leaching of copper from used PCB fragments in a [...] Read more.
Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are a highly concentrated secondary source of copper. However, their complex and heterogeneous composition significantly complicates the selective extraction of metals. This study examined the feasibility of direct electrochemical leaching of copper from used PCB fragments in a sulfate–glycine alkaline electrolyte. The PCB fragments were used directly as a composite working electrode, without prior separation of the components or special surface preparation. It has been demonstrated that the electrochemical response of the composite PCB anode is similar to that of a pure copper electrode, which indicates the predominant role of the anodic dissolution of copper. A distinct potential window of 0.30 to 0.40 V relative to the Ag/AgCl electrode has been established, within which copper dissolves efficiently, while the dissolution of the associated metals (Sn, Pb, Ni, Fe) remains strongly inhibited. The maximum selectivity is reached at a potential of approximately 0.35 V. This is due to the formation of soluble and stable copper–glycine complexes, while the other metals remain in an alkaline medium in the form of poorly soluble phases. At more positive potentials (≥0.40–0.50 V), the co-dissolution of the associated metals begins, resulting in a sharp decrease in the selectivity of the process. Real-time potentiostatic experiments have shown that the selective leaching mode at 0.35 V is stable over long periods of operation and is characterized by continuous dissolution of copper with minimal release of other metals in solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Extractive Metallurgy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8574 KB  
Article
Effect of Combustion Chamber Structure on Flow Field Characteristics of Coherent Jet
by Tianhao Di, Kun Song, Yize Zhang and Fei Zhao
Metals 2026, 16(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020213 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 325
Abstract
The most important segment of the electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking process is the stirring and decarburization of the molten bath during the oxidation stage, with the bath temperature typically ranging from 1550 to 1600 °C. The coherent jet is a key factor [...] Read more.
The most important segment of the electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking process is the stirring and decarburization of the molten bath during the oxidation stage, with the bath temperature typically ranging from 1550 to 1600 °C. The coherent jet is a key factor influencing the stirring and decarburization of the molten bath. The factors affecting the impact capability of coherent jets have been widely studied, including the nozzle flow parameters and arrangement methods. However, there are few studies on the combustion chamber structure of the coherent jet oxygen lance. In order to study the effect of the combustion chamber structure on the characteristics of the coherent jet, a method combining numerical simulation and combustion experiments is used to study the flow fields of the coherent jet for a combustion chamber under different length and inclination angle conditions. The results show that the flow field characteristics of the coherent jet are influenced by the length and inclination angle of the combustion chamber. Compared with the coherent jet oxygen lance without a combustion chamber, the potential core length of the main oxygen jet under the short-distance horizontal combustion chamber condition is longer, but the potential core length of the main oxygen jet with the excessively long horizontal combustion chamber is shorter. The influence of the inclination angle on the potential core length of the main oxygen jet is complex. The influence mode is different depending on the length of the combustion chamber. Finally, it is found that the combined horizontal and inclined combustion chamber can achieve the best effect on prolonging the potential core length of the main oxygen jet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Steelmaking and Ironmaking: Fundamental Research to Technology Innovation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 9003 KB  
Article
Corrosion Resistance of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Processed by Femtosecond Laser Shock Peening
by Shan Gao, Haolei Song, Tong Zang, Hongyu Zheng, Harry M. Ngwangwa, Xiaoli Cui and Zongshen Wang
Metals 2026, 16(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020212 - 12 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 318
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of femtosecond laser shock peening (FLSP) on the corrosion resistance of an AZ31 magnesium alloy. The alloy was subjected to irradiation with varying pulse energies in an air environment, and subsequent modifications in surface properties were characterized. [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the impact of femtosecond laser shock peening (FLSP) on the corrosion resistance of an AZ31 magnesium alloy. The alloy was subjected to irradiation with varying pulse energies in an air environment, and subsequent modifications in surface properties were characterized. Surface wettability, assessed by contact angle measurements, indicated enhanced hydrophobicity following FLSP, especially at higher pulse energies. Corrosion behavior after immersion with various durations was assessed in a 3.5% NaCl solution using electrochemical polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, applying a three-electrode system. The results revealed that FLSP significantly augmented corrosion resistance; the most notable effects were observed at higher pulse energies. SEM/EDS analysis post-corrosion revealed a transition from localized to more uniform corrosion, accompanied by reduced pit size and density. XRD and XPS confirmed the formation of a protective Mg(OH)2 layer, which exhibited greater stability and uniformity at higher laser energies. The study concluded that FLSP represented an effective approach for enhancing the corrosion resistance of the AZ31 magnesium alloy, with potential applications in improving the longevity of magnesium alloy components in industrial settings. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-112
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop