Nanostructured Materials for Structural Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The mechanical properties of material are attributed to its microstructure, such as matrix and second phase. The strength of polycrystalline materials increases with decreased grain size, as described by Hall-Petch relation. In particular, grain size reaching nano scale can lead to many distinctive properties, compared to the larger grain-sized counterpart. Furthermore, dispersion strengthening of metal matrix achieved by introducing a second-phase in the matrix has drawn wide attentions. Strength increment for dispersion strengthening can be described as the Orowan-Ashby model, which suggests that the finely dispersed second phase is beneficial for the increase of strength. Noticeably, second phase in nano scale in the matrix has simultaneous beneficial influences on the strength and ductility of the materials. Therefore, how to fabricate the nanostructures in terms of matrix and second phase is critical for improving the material performance. This Special Issue plans to give an overview of the most recent advances in the field of nanostructured materials and their specific performances. This Special Issue is aimed at providing selected contributions on advances in the fabrication, characterization, and exploration in strengthening mechanisms as well as formation mechanisms of microstructures of nanostructured materials for structural application. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: Nanocrystalline fabrication; Nanocrystalline strengthening; Fabrication of nano dispersion; Nano dispersion strengthening; Role of nanostructure in structural materials; Mechanisms in microstructural optimization strengthening; Future perspectives for nanostructured materials for structural application.

Dr. Kaixuan Chen
Guest Editor

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