Nanocrystalline Bulk Materials at Multiple Scales

Dear Colleagues, 

Nanocrystalline bulk materials are, by definition, polycrystalline structures with an average grain size below about 100nm. In contrast to microcrystalline counterparts, nanocrystalline materials have a much larger volume fraction of interfaces, including grain boundaries, phase boundaries, and domain interfaces. Owing to their special structures, nanocrystalline materials consisting of either single phase or multiphase exhibit distinctly different physical, chemical, and mechanical properties from those of the microcrystalline materials with the same nominal compositions.

After decades of research development from both academia and industry, it is now a new beginning for the innovative fundamental and applied science of nanocrystalline materials. Many of the challenges of developing nanocrystalline materials are being resolved by using different fabrication and characterization techniques at multiple length scales, from macroscale all the way down to atomistic scale, facilitating real life usages of bulk nanocrystalline materials and parts. Recent advances in experimental and theoretical studies, as well as the integration of experiments and computational materials science about bulk nanocrystalline materials, are expected to lead to the next generation high performance nanocrystalline materials with both structural and functional applications.

This Special Issue discusses the latest research advances of nanocrystalline bulk metals, alloys, and ceramics. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and short communications are encouraged relevant to the following topics:

• Advances in synthesis and fabrication of nanocrystalline bulks (metal, alloys, and ceramics);
• Advances in processing development for more stabilized nanograin structures;
• Grain boundary engineering for high performance nanocrystalline bulks;
• Advances in the characterization techniques of nanocrystalline bulks;
• Fundamental (physical, chemical, and mechanical) properties of nanocrystalline bulk materials. 

Dr. Wenwu Xu
Dr. Fawei Tang
Dr. Massoud Malaki
Guest Editors

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