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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 4919

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Huihui Zhi

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Guest Editor

State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Center of Advanced Lubrication and Seal Materials, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
Interests: steel and iron alloys; structural alloys; hydrogen embrittlement; alloy design; characterization

Dr. Cheng Wen

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Guest Editor

College of Mechanical Engineering, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
Interests: alloy design; materials informatics; high-entropy alloys; marine corrosion

Dr. Kai Guan

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Guest Editor

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China
Interests: metals; Mg alloys; rare earth elements; microstructure characterization; mechanical property
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

High-performance alloys, such as medium-/high-entropy, aluminum, copper, titanium, and iron alloys, are key foundational materials in industrial applications. The requirements for improved mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and hydrogen embrittlement properties have motivated a large number of studies.

Contributions are intended to show the influence of the thermomechanical process, chemical compositions, and microstructures on the property profiles. In addition to experimental approaches, the development of artificial intelligence is useful for predicting the composition–microstructure–property relationships of high-performance alloys. Therefore, this Special Issue will mainly focus on the latest advances in experimental characterization and machine learning for high-performance alloy design, aiding in revealing novel microstructure–property relationships from the atomic/nanometer to macroscopic scales.

Dr. Huihui Zhi
Dr. Cheng Wen
Dr. Kai Guan
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

high-entropy alloys
steels and iron alloys
magnesium alloys
aluminum alloys
copper alloys
titanium alloys
mechanical properties
corrosion resistance properties
hydrogen embrittlement
characterization
machine learning

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 6832 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Al and O Concentrations on the Practical Properties of TiAl4822 for Jet Engine Blades and the Feasibility of Machining Chip Reuse

by Toshimitsu Tetsui and Kazuhiro Mizuta

Crystals 2026, 16(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16030156 - 24 Feb 2026

Viewed by 344

Abstract

Maintaining a consistent quality of TiAl4822 blades used in jet engines is crucial, even when compositional variations occur during production. This study investigates the optimal Al and O concentration ranges that yield favorable practical properties. Additionally, the feasibility of reusing machining chips as a low-cost melting feedstock is explored. The results indicate that both impact resistance at 25 °C and machinability remain unaffected or even improve at O concentrations up to at least 0.13 wt%. Moreover, materials containing 0.13 wt% O exhibit the widest optimal range of Al concentrations (46.8–47.4 at%), but was narrower at lower or higher Al concentrations. The influence of the α₂-phase ratio on impact resistance is substantially greater than that of O concentration, with the optimal range being 0.2–0.3. Furthermore, a new pre-treatment method is developed to reuse machining chips containing large amounts of water-soluble cutting oil. This method involves removing C through atmospheric heating after ultrasonic cleaning using acetone. Furthermore, TiAl4822 castings including these preprocessed chips exhibit superior properties compared with those of chip-free low-O materials, despite the higher O concentration. These findings demonstrate that moderate O enrichment is tolerable, and even beneficial, enabling cost-effective recycling in TiAl4822 blade production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Alloys)

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14 pages, 7016 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Ultrastrong and Ductile Duplex Lightweight Steel with Dual-Nanoprecipitation

by Menghao Zhang, Huihui Zhi, Ruizhe Wang, Xinlan Ye, Xiyue Li, Zihao Xu, Weijun Wang, Haifeng Wang and Yanjing Su

Crystals 2025, 15(12), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15121019 - 28 Nov 2025

Viewed by 551

Abstract

In this study, a duplex lightweight steel with the compositions of Fe-30Mn-9Al-1C-1V-5Ni (wt.%) was designed, and its microstructure and mechanical properties were analyzed after simple rolling and heat treatment. The microstructure of duplex lightweight steel consists of austenite and B2 phases, with the dual-nanoprecipitation of L′1₂ type long-range ordered domains and VC carbides within the austenite. The steel exhibits an ultra-high strength-ductility combination, with a yield strength of 1316 ± 16 MPa, a tensile strength of 1458 ± 11 MPa, and a total elongation of 11.7 ± 1.2%. Its high strength is primarily attributed to hetero-deformation induced (HDI) strengthening, solid solution strengthening, and precipitation strengthening. Meanwhile, the substantial dislocation accumulation in both austenite and B2 phases, coupled with the HDI hardening from intense heterogeneous deformation near grain/phase boundaries, collectively confers the steel with excellent ductility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Alloys)

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22 pages, 20191 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Tungsten Content on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of AlCoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloys

by Ersin Bahceci, Ali Oktay Gul, Oykum Basgoz Orhan, Levent Cenk Kumruoglu and Omer Guler

Crystals 2025, 15(11), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15110972 - 12 Nov 2025

Viewed by 964

Abstract

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have recently attracted considerable attention due to their unique combination of high strength, hardness, and corrosion and wear resistance, making them promising candidates for advanced structural and functional applications. Among these, AlCoCrFeNi-based HEAs are well known for their high hardness and good wear resistance; however, their limited tribological stability under operational conditions restricts their broader application. To address this limitation, tungsten (W) was incorporated into the AlCoCrFeNi system to enhance its mechanical and tribological performance. In this study, the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological properties of AlCoCrFeNiW_x (x = 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mol) HEAs were systematically investigated. The alloys were fabricated using the vacuum arc melting method and characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, elemental mapping, microhardness, and wear tests. The addition of W caused a shift in the 2θ ≈ 44° (110) peak toward lower angles. While the W-free alloy exhibited Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) + B2 phases, W addition led to the formation of a new W-rich phase, and at higher W contents, a pure W phase appeared. The hardness increased from 507.11 HV₁ to 651.81 HV₁ with increasing W content. Furthermore, wear resistance improved and the coefficient of friction decreased with higher W addition. When comparing the W-free alloy to the alloy with the highest W content, the wear rate decreased by approximately 1.85 times under a 2 N load and 1.89 times under a 5 N load. These results demonstrate that W addition significantly enhances the wear resistance of AlCoCrFeNi-based HEAs by nearly twofold. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Alloys)

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14 pages, 5622 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Dynamics Simulations on the Deformation Behaviors and Mechanical Properties of the γ/γ′ Superalloy with Different Phase Volume Fractions

by Xinmao Qin, Wanjun Yan, Yilong Liang and Fei Li

Crystals 2025, 15(8), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15080706 - 31 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945

Abstract

Based on molecular dynamics simulation, we conducted a comprehensive study on the tensile behaviors and properties of the

γ

(Ni)/

γ^{'}

(Ni₃Al) superalloy with varying

γ^{'}

(Ni₃Al) phase volume fractions (

V (γ^{'}))

under high-temperature, [...] Read more.

Based on molecular dynamics simulation, we conducted a comprehensive study on the tensile behaviors and properties of the

γ

(Ni)/

γ^{'}

(Ni₃Al) superalloy with varying

γ^{'}

(Ni₃Al) phase volume fractions (

V (γ^{'}))

under high-temperature, high-strain-rate service environments. Our investigation revealed that the tensile behavior of the superalloy depends critically on the

V (γ^{'})

. When the

V (γ^{'})

increased from 13.5 to 67%, the system’s tensile strength exhibited a non-monotonic response, peaking at

V (γ^{'})

= 40.3% before progressively decreasing. Conversely, the maximum uniform plastic strain decreased linearly and significantly when

V (γ^{'})

increased. These results establish an atomistically informed framework that elucidates the composition–microstructure–property relationships in

γ

(Ni)/

γ^{'}

(Ni₃Al) superalloys, specifically addressing how

V (γ^{'})

governs variations in deformation mechanisms and mechanical performance. Furthermore, this work provides quantitative design paradigm for optimizing

γ^{'}

(Ni₃Al) precipitate architecture and compositional tuning in the Ni-based

γ

(Ni)/

γ^{'}

(Ni₃Al) superalloy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Alloys)

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20 pages, 6807 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Electrochemical Kinetics and Stability of Biodegradable Mg-Y-Zn Alloys with LPSO Phases via Strategic Micro-Alloying with Ca, Sr, Mn, and Zr

by Lisha Wang, Huiping Wang, Chenchen Zhang, Wei Sun, Yue Wang, Lijuan Wang and Xiaoyan Kang

Crystals 2025, 15(7), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15070639 - 11 Jul 2025

Viewed by 946

Abstract

This study systematically investigated the effects of biologically relevant microalloying elements—calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), and zirconium (Zr)—on the electrochemical behavior of Mg-Y-Zn alloys containing long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases. The alloys were prepared by casting and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Electrochemical properties were assessed through potentiodynamic polarization in Hank’s solution, and corrosion rates were determined by hydrogen evolution and weight loss methods. Microalloying significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the base Mg-Y-Zn alloy, with corrosion rates decreasing from 2.67 mm/year (unalloyed) to 1.65 mm/year (Ca), 1.36 mm/year (Sr), 1.18 mm/year (Zr), and 1.02 mm/year (Mn). Ca and Sr additions introduced Mg₂Ca and Mg₁₇Sr₂, while Mn and Zr refined the existing LPSO structure without new phases. Sr refined the LPSO phase and formed a uniformly distributed Mg₁₇Sr₂ network, promoting uniform corrosion and suppressing deep localized attacks. Ca-induced Mg₂Ca acted as a temporary sacrificial phase, with corrosion eventually propagating along LPSO interfaces. The Mn-containing alloy exhibited the lowest corrosion rate; this is attributed to the suppression of both anodic and cathodic reaction kinetics and the formation of a stable protective surface film. Zr improved general corrosion resistance but increased susceptibility to localized attacks due to dislocation-rich zones. These findings elucidate the corrosion mechanisms in LPSO-containing Mg alloys and offer an effective strategy to enhance the electrochemical stability of biodegradable Mg-based implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Alloys)

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Review

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40 pages, 2007 KB

Open AccessReview

Modification Strategies and Microstructure–Property Relationships of 6xxx and 8xxx Aluminum Alloy Conductors for Wires and Cables

by Shanquan Deng, Junwei Zhu, Xingsen Zhang, Meihua Bian and Yuyin He

Crystals 2026, 16(4), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16040244 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 580

Abstract

With the rapid transition of power transmission systems toward higher capacity, longer distance, and improved efficiency, aluminum alloys from the 6xxx (Al–Mg–Si) and 8xxx (Al–Fe) series have become key structural materials for overhead conductors and power cables due to their low density, cost effectiveness, and favorable strength–conductivity balance. Compared with traditional steel-reinforced conductors, optimized aluminum alloy conductors can reduce structural weight by approximately 30–40% and installation cost by about 20–30%, while maintaining comparable current-carrying capacity. This review systematically focuses on modification methods and research progress of aluminum alloy cores for electric wires and cables. The strengthening characteristics of 6xxx alloys (heat-treatment responsiveness and precipitation strengthening) and the creep-resistance stability of 8xxx alloys are comparatively analyzed. Four core performance requirements—high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, creep resistance, and corrosion resistance—are summarized as evaluation criteria for conductor applications. Particular emphasis is placed on three major modification strategies: (1) microalloying (e.g., Zr, Sc, rare earth elements) for precipitation and dispersoid stabilization; (2) thermomechanical process optimization for grain refinement and strength–conductivity balance; (3) composite reinforcement for high-temperature and ultra-high-strength applications. Quantitative literature data indicate that microalloying and process optimization typically achieve 15–40% strength improvement with conductivity variation within 3–5% IACS, while composite strategies may provide 30–80% strength enhancement but often at the expense of 5–20% conductivity reduction. The distinct applicability of 6xxx and 8xxx alloys under different service conditions is clarified, providing guidance for conductor material selection. Finally, future research directions—including precise composition–process integration, advanced thermomechanical control, and scalable modification technologies—are proposed to support high-performance, cost-effective, and large-scale deployment of aluminum alloy conductors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Alloys)

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