Advancements in High-Strength Silicon-Aided Steel and Their Phase Transformations

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSSs) are highly promising materials for several industrial fields, including the automotive and manufacturing sectors, owing to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and formability. The significance of AHSSs lie in their potential to revolutionize engineering by addressing critical challenges, such as vehicular safety, fuel efficiency, and structural integrity. Research devoted to AHSSs is crucial for several reasons. On one hand, AHSSs will facilitate the achievement of the Green Deal objectives by promoting the development of lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles that reduce emissions. Their in-use performance and recyclability support sustainable manufacturing, aligning with policies that aim for carbon neutrality. Advances in AHSSs resonate with initiatives endorsing a greener, more sustainable future.

In addition, their research will enable the exploration of novel processing methods, thus optimizing manufacturing techniques to produce AHSS components with enhanced properties and reduced production costs. Third, delving into heat treatment methodologies will refine the material's microstructure, tailoring its mechanical characteristics for specific applications and thereby broadening its range of utility. Additionally, new alloying design strategies that aim to develop novel compositions and fine-tune material properties like strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance will amplify AHSSs’ adaptability across industries. Finally, understanding their in-use properties will assist in the comprehension of how AHSSs perform in real-world conditions, offering insights for further improvements and application refinements. The aim of this Special Issue is to gather and showcase cutting-edge discoveries and advanced research within the field. It aims to collect the most recent findings, innovative methodologies, and pioneering insights on the topic, providing a comprehensive platform via which to share knowledge and insights regarding this specific area of study.

Dr. Mattia Franceschi
Dr. Luca Pezzato
Guest Editors

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• bainitic transformation
• steels
• austempering
• quench and partitioning
• si-aided steels