Design, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Based Alloys

A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystalline Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 August 2025 | Viewed by 1183

Special Issue Editor

Powder Metallurgy Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: powder metallurgy; metal matrix composites; copper alloy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The design of copper-based alloys is a meticulous process of compositional fine-tuning to achieve specific mechanical properties and enhanced corrosion resistance. This involves various sophisticated techniques such as melt casting, where the alloy is crafted by pouring molten metal into molds, and powder metallurgy, utilizing compacted and sintered metal powders to form parts. Advanced additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, facilitates the production of intricate geometrical structures directly from digital designs. Post-processing methods like deformation and heat treatments, including annealing and aging, further refine the microstructure, thereby significantly improving strength and ductility. Employing characterization techniques such as microscopy and spectroscopy unveils the microstructure, providing vital insights into how different processing methods affect the final properties of the material. These properties are pivotal in determining the alloy's suitability for a wide range of applications. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of these properties is indispensable.

We cordially invite you to contribute your research focused on the design, microstructure, and mechanical properties of copper-based alloys to our upcoming Special Issue. Your work will be a valuable addition to the field, and we look forward to showcasing your insights and findings.

Dr. Qian Lei
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • copper-based alloys
  • microstructure refinement
  • mechanical properties
  • additive manufacturing
  • heat treatments

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 20924 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Nb Addition on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of 50W–Ni–Fe Alloy
by Tianhao Wu, Wensheng Liu, Yunzhu Ma, Youteng Duan, Yifan Han, Ziqi Meng and Qingshan Cai
Crystals 2025, 15(5), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15050411 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 124
Abstract
Optimizing the design of low-tungsten-content alloys represents an effective approach to address the insufficient strength and toughness of conventional tungsten alloys. This study focuses on the design and fabrication of low-tungsten-content alloys, specifically investigating the effects of Nb addition on the low-temperature sintering [...] Read more.
Optimizing the design of low-tungsten-content alloys represents an effective approach to address the insufficient strength and toughness of conventional tungsten alloys. This study focuses on the design and fabrication of low-tungsten-content alloys, specifically investigating the effects of Nb addition on the low-temperature sintering microstructure and mechanical properties of 50W–Ni–Fe alloy. The results demonstrate that Nb significantly lowers the liquid phase formation temperature, shifting the densification mechanism from solid phase sintering to liquid phase sintering. Nb primarily dissolves in the γ-(Ni,Fe) matrix phase and forms nanoscale γ″-Ni3Nb precipitates. These γ″-Ni3Nb precipitates maintain coherent interfaces with the γ-(Ni,Fe) matrix phase, exhibiting excellent interfacial bonding, which markedly enhances the hardness and modulus of the matrix phase. Through the strengthening effects of solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening, the tensile strength of the alloy increases to 1259 MPa while maintaining a total elongation of 23.1%. The fracture mode of the 50W-Ni-Fe-Nb alloy transitions to a mixed mechanism involving cleavage fracture of W and ductile rupture of the matrix phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Based Alloys)
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10 pages, 4354 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation Study on Directional Solidification of DD5 Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Turbine Blades
by Jianhui Wei, Min Lu, Libo Pi, Huan Zhao and Qian Lei
Crystals 2025, 15(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15010042 - 30 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 843
Abstract
Two models with a wax module tree structure were employed for directional solidification simulation. An experimental alloy of a second-generation nickel-based single-crystal superalloy, DD5, was set for this investigation. The temperature gradient value of the conventional model at 80 mm and 160 mm [...] Read more.
Two models with a wax module tree structure were employed for directional solidification simulation. An experimental alloy of a second-generation nickel-based single-crystal superalloy, DD5, was set for this investigation. The temperature gradient value of the conventional model at 80 mm and 160 mm was less than 3.8 K/mm, and the temperature gradient value of the new model structure at the same height could reach more than 5.0 K/mm. The paste–liquid interface paste zone of the new model structure in the directional solidification process was narrower. The solidification interface was more stable than that of the conventional model. The declination angle between the primary dendrite and the principal stress axis was smaller, and the average crystal orientation was about 6.0°. Under the new model, the integrity of the single crystal of the edge plate was good, and no heterocrystalline defects were formed. At the sharp corner of the end face of the edge plate, the solidified dendrites grew staggered, which hindered the effective contraction of other parts of the edge plate and produced micro-looseness. The whole simulation was in line with the test results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Based Alloys)
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