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Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition)

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 9127

Special Issue Editors

School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: bulk metallic glasses; high-entropy alloys; titanium alloys; metallic composites; precision metal plastic forming; powder metallurgy; incremental sheet forming
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College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacture for Vehicle Body, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
Interests: superalloys; metal cutting; composites; additive manufacturing; laser processing/cutting
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Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Information, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: microforming; ultrasonic forming; ultrasonic machining; additive manufacturing
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Key Laboratory for New Type of Functional Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300400, China
Interests: solidification behavior of light alloys; bulk metallic glass composites; strengthening and toughening of metals and their fatigue behavior; functional metal materials for water treatment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical metallurgy is important in the design and optimization via microstructural modifications and processing techniques of advanced materials with superior physical and mechanical properties over their service lives. The goal of this Special Issue on the physical metallurgy of metals and alloys is to bring together information on the recent progress, novel technologies, and advanced equipment described in our works on the design and development of advanced metals and alloys and to provide guidelines/benchmarks for further research in related areas. Composites, intermetallics, and nano materials as well as functional materials will also be included.

Examples of some of the recent advances relating to the design, properties, and processing of advanced metals and alloys include novel material processing techniques, manufacturing methods/theories, microstructural characterization, modeling development, and advanced equipment. Conventional and nonconventional processes relating to machining, forming, laser processing, additive/subtractive manufacturing, surface modification, and the solidification of high-performance alloys/metals are also included. 

Topics of papers that will be considered for publication in this Special Issue of Materials can include all the above classes of materials and the areas of physical metallurgy, process metallurgy, materials science, and processing techniques. Specific areas of interest also include titanium-/nickel-based superalloys, intermetallics, advanced metallic materials, nano materials, metal matrix composites, functional materials, related synthesis and processing techniques, finite element modeling, statistical analysis, physical/mechanical property characterization, experimental validation, and other relevant phenomena. Full papers, short communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Pan Gong
Dr. Maojun Li
Dr. Guangchao Han
Dr. Xin Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced metallic alloys
  • combinatorial alloy design
  • additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy
  • energy field-assisted machining and plastic-forming technologies
  • solidification and casting
  • high-energy beam welding
  • heat treatment and surface treatment
  • microstructure-property characterization
  • simulation and modeling
  • strengthening and toughening technologies

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 9730 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Hydrogen Embrittlement’s Effects on the Impact Toughness of Martensitic Ultra-High-Strength Steels as a Function of the Cathodic Charging Time
by Julio C. Villalobos, Arnoldo Bedolla-Jacuinde, Álvaro Torres-Islas, Melina Velasco-Plascencia, Heriberto Villanueva, Hugo Rojas and Adrian Del-Pozo
Materials 2025, 18(4), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18040764 - 9 Feb 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of two martensitic ultra-high-strength steel (M-UHSS) grades, focusing on their impact toughness and microhardness behavior following different durations of hydrogen cathodic charging (1, 2, and 4 h). While some mechanisms, such as the interaction between [...] Read more.
This study investigates the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of two martensitic ultra-high-strength steel (M-UHSS) grades, focusing on their impact toughness and microhardness behavior following different durations of hydrogen cathodic charging (1, 2, and 4 h). While some mechanisms, such as the interaction between microstructural defects and hydrogen, are well established, the effects of hydrogen on the absorbed energy during impact tests or at high strain rates have been less studied. This study correlates the microstructural characteristics, Charpy-V absorbed energy, and microhardness with fractographic analysis to assess the HE susceptibility. The results show a decrease in both microhardness and toughness after one hour of charging, with the reductions ranging from 32% to 40%. However, as the charging time increased, both properties exhibited an increase, attributed to the interaction of hydrogen and its saturation on the steel’s surface. Fractographic analysis reveals a morphological change from brittle fracture to brittle fracture with localized plastic zones, driven by the interaction of hydrogen with the trapping sites within the steel. Permeability tests are conducted to quantify the hydrogen concentration, diffusion coefficients, and trapping sites. The results indicate significant hydrogen embrittlement in both steels, driven by hydrogen diffusion and accumulation in the entrapment zones, leading to increased brittleness over time. This study provides insights into the micromechanisms influencing mechanical properties and fracture behavior under hydrogen exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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21 pages, 10532 KiB  
Article
Stability of Expanded Austenite During Annealing in Vacuum
by Stephan Mändl, Hyemin Oh, Daniel Hristov and Darina Manova
Materials 2025, 18(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030546 - 25 Jan 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
In situ X-ray diffraction has been used to investigate the stability of expanded austenite during annealing in vacuum for the austenitic stainless steel 316Ti, the super-austenitic stainless steel 904L, and the duplex steel 318LN. Expanded austenite has been formed using plasma immersion ion [...] Read more.
In situ X-ray diffraction has been used to investigate the stability of expanded austenite during annealing in vacuum for the austenitic stainless steel 316Ti, the super-austenitic stainless steel 904L, and the duplex steel 318LN. Expanded austenite has been formed using plasma immersion ion nitriding before. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry before and after annealing yielded complementary information regarding nitrogen depth profiles and CrN precipitation using cluster analysis. The decay of expanded austenite during annealing was found to be thermally activated with an activation energy of 1.8 ± 0.3 eV, starting within five minutes at 550 °C and taking more than two hours below 450 °C. The decay occurs simultaneously throughout the whole nitrogen-containing zone—and not at the surface as during nitriding. Nitrogen diffusion occurring in parallel slightly complicates the data analysis. Further transmission electron microscopy investigations are necessary to understand the microstructure after annealing in vacuum. The limit for operating hard and wear-resistant expanded austenite layers at elevated temperatures of up to 350 °C is given, however, by nitrogen diffusion and not the decay into CrN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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32 pages, 3460 KiB  
Article
Improving Electrical Conductivity of Commercially Pure Aluminium: The Synergistic Effect of AlB8 Master Alloy and Heat Treatment
by Yusuf Zeybek, Cemile Kayış and Ege Anıl Diler
Materials 2025, 18(2), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020364 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 476
Abstract
This study aims to enhance the electrical conductivity of commercially pure aluminium by minimizing impurities and grain boundaries in its microstructure, ultimately improving the efficiency of electric motors constructed from rotors with squirrel cages made from this material. For this purpose, an aluminium–boron [...] Read more.
This study aims to enhance the electrical conductivity of commercially pure aluminium by minimizing impurities and grain boundaries in its microstructure, ultimately improving the efficiency of electric motors constructed from rotors with squirrel cages made from this material. For this purpose, an aluminium–boron (AlB8) master alloy was added to aluminium with a purity of 99.7%, followed by the application of a grain-coarsening heat treatment to the rotors. To obtain commercially pure aluminium with boron additions of 0.05% and 0.1% by weight, specific amounts of the AlB8 master alloy were added into aluminium with a purity of 99.7%. Using these materials, squirrel cage components of rotors were produced via the high-pressure die-casting method. Subsequently, a grain-coarsening heat treatment of the rotors was performed at temperatures of 450 °C, 500 °C, and 550 °C, with holding times of 2, 6, and 10 h. The Box–Behnken design, which is based on statistical experimental design and response surface methodology, was employed to investigate the effects of adding boron and varying the heat treatment temperature and holding time on the electrical conductivity of commercially pure aluminium. The results showed that the synergistic effect of adding boron at 0.05 wt.% and applying the grain-coarsening heat treatment at a temperature of 550 °C for a holding time of 10 h significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity of commercially pure aluminium, increasing it from 60.62% IACS to 63.1% IACS. Correspondingly, the efficiency of the electric motor increased from 90.35% to 91.53%. These findings suggest that this hybrid method not only enhances the electrical conductivity of commercially pure aluminium but also has strong potential to improve its other properties, such as thermal conductivity. This will lead to products composed of components manufactured from the materials exhibiting better performance characteristics, such as increased efficiency and extended service life. Consequently, this innovative method will contribute economically and environmentally by facilitating the manufacture of high-performance products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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19 pages, 4830 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic Study of the Sustainable Hydrometallurgical Treatment of Copper Converter Flue Dust Based on Pb, Zn, and Sn Oxides
by Alexandra Kollová, Martina Laubertová, Jarmila Trpčevská and Martin Sisol
Materials 2024, 17(23), 5690; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235690 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 625
Abstract
The presented article deals with the thermodynamic study of copper converter flue dust (CCFD) treatment by hydrometallurgical process. The investigated sample of CCFD contains 38.31 wt.% Zn, 11.35 wt.% Pb, and 2.92 wt.% Sn in the form of oxides (PbO, ZnO, and SnO [...] Read more.
The presented article deals with the thermodynamic study of copper converter flue dust (CCFD) treatment by hydrometallurgical process. The investigated sample of CCFD contains 38.31 wt.% Zn, 11.35 wt.% Pb, and 2.92 wt.% Sn in the form of oxides (PbO, ZnO, and SnO2). The leaching of CCFD in sulphuric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, and sodium hydroxide was thermodynamically studied. Using Pourbaix diagrams for individual metal–S/C/N/Na/–H2O systems, the possibility of leaching oxides in selected leaching agents was confirmed. A sustainable and environmentally friendly method of processing the sample of CCFD using a hydrometallurgical method is proposed. A suitable selective leaching agent is the acetic acid solution. When leaching in an acetic acid solution, zinc and lead are chemically dissolved to form acetates Zn(CH3COO)2(aq) in the form of Zn2+(aq) at a temperature of 20 °C with a pH range of 0–3.5 and at a temperature of 80 °C with a pH range of 0–2.95, as well as Pb(CH3COO)2(aq) as Pb2+(aq) at a temperature of 20 °C with a pH range of 0–1.95 and at a temperature of 80 °C with a pH range of 0–2, respectively, while tin remains as a solid residue in the form of SnO2(s) at the temperatures of 20 °C and 80 °C throughout the whole acidic pH range. Various analytical techniques, such as SEM, EDX, XRD, and AAS, were used to analyse samples before a thermodynamic study of the leaching of CCFD was conducted by applying Pourbaix Eh–pH diagrams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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28 pages, 9762 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study on the Development of Adiabatic Shear Bands During High Strain-Rate Compression of AISI 1045 Steel: A Comparative Analysis Between Plane-Strain and Axisymmetric Problems
by Konstantina D. Karantza and Dimitrios E. Manolakos
Materials 2024, 17(21), 5286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215286 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 602
Abstract
This work studies numerically the development of adiabatic shear banding (ASB) during high strain-rate compression of AISI 1045 steel. Plane strain and cylindrical axisymmetric compressions are simulated in LS-DYNA, considering rectangular and cylindrical steel samples, respectively. Also, a parametric analysis in height-to-base ratio [...] Read more.
This work studies numerically the development of adiabatic shear banding (ASB) during high strain-rate compression of AISI 1045 steel. Plane strain and cylindrical axisymmetric compressions are simulated in LS-DYNA, considering rectangular and cylindrical steel samples, respectively. Also, a parametric analysis in height-to-base ratio is conducted in order to evaluate the effect of geometry and dimensional ratio of the sample on ASB formation. Doubly structural-thermal-damage coupled finite element models are developed for the numerical simulations, implementing the thermo-viscoplastic Modified Johnson–Cook constitutive relation and damage criterion, while further damage-equivalent stress and strain fields are introduced for the damage coupling. The simulations revealed that plane strain compression promotes more ASB formation, providing lower critical strain for ASB initiation and wider and stronger ASBs compared with axisymmetric compression. Further, X-shaped ASBs initially form during plane strain compression, while as deformation increases, they transform into S-shaped ASBs in contrast to axisymmetric compression, where parabolic ASBs are developed. Also, a lower height-to-base ratio leads to greater ASB propensity, reducing critical strain in axisymmetric compression. Finally, thermal softening is found to precede damage softening and dominate the ASB genesis and its early evolution, while in contrast damage softening drives later ASB evolution and its transition to fracture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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13 pages, 7643 KiB  
Article
Influence of Annealing and Aging Parameters on the Microstructure and Properties of 1200 MPa Grade Cold-Rolled Dual-Phase Steel
by Xiaoyue Ma, Xiaohong Chu, Yuebiao Yang, Hongzhou Lu, Wenjun Wang and Zhengzhi Zhao
Materials 2024, 17(19), 4933; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194933 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1004
Abstract
With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the requirements for bodywork materials are not only focused on high strength but also on improved forming properties. To develop a new generation of automotive steels with higher strength–plasticity matching, a high elongation 1200 MPa [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the requirements for bodywork materials are not only focused on high strength but also on improved forming properties. To develop a new generation of automotive steels with higher strength–plasticity matching, a high elongation 1200 MPa grade V-Nb microalloyed cold-rolled reinforced formable dual-phase steel was developed in this experiment through rational compositional design and precise process machining. The properties of the test steel are improved by varying the over-aging temperature as well as the annealing temperature to achieve a good strength–plasticity balance. The results show that as the aging temperature increases, the tensile strength and yield strength of the test steel decrease, while the elongation continues to increase. At an aging temperature of 310 °C, the steel exhibits not only high strength but also better ductility. As the annealing temperature increases, the tensile strength and yield strength of the test steel initially increase and then decrease, while the elongation continues to increase. When the heat treatment process involves an annealing temperature of 860 °C and an over-aging temperature of 310 °C, the test steel achieves the best strength–plasticity balance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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13 pages, 2874 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Titanium-Based Powders from Titanium Oxy-Sulfate Using Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Method
by Duško Kostić, Srecko Stopic, Monika Keutmann, Elif Emil-Kaya, Tatjana Volkov Husovic, Mitar Perušić and Bernd Friedrich
Materials 2024, 17(19), 4779; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194779 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 891
Abstract
Submicron and nanosized powders have gained significant attention in recent decades due to their broad applicability in various fields. This work focuses on ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, an efficient and flexible method that employs an aerosol process to synthesize titanium-based nanoparticles by transforming titanium [...] Read more.
Submicron and nanosized powders have gained significant attention in recent decades due to their broad applicability in various fields. This work focuses on ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, an efficient and flexible method that employs an aerosol process to synthesize titanium-based nanoparticles by transforming titanium oxy-sulfate. Various parameters are monitored to better optimize the process and obtain better results. Taking that into account, the influence of temperature on the transformation of titanium oxy-sulfate was monitored between 700 and 1000 °C. In addition to the temperature, the concentration of the starting solution was also changed, and the flow of hydrogen and argon was studied. The obtained titanium-based powders had spherical morphology with different particle sizes, from nanometer to submicron, depending on the influence of reaction parameters. The control of the oxygen content during synthesis is significant in determining the structure of the final powder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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12 pages, 2076 KiB  
Article
The Specificity of Determining the Latent Heat of Solidification of Cast Hypoeutectic AlSiCu Alloys Using the DSC Method
by Mile B. Đjurdjević, Vladimir Jovanović, Mirko Komatina and Srecko Stopic
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174228 - 27 Aug 2024
Viewed by 799
Abstract
Latent heat is commonly measured using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) or Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or calculated using software packages (Thermo-Calc). In this study, the DSC method was used to comprehensively evaluate the accuracy of calculated latent heat for a specific range of [...] Read more.
Latent heat is commonly measured using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) or Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or calculated using software packages (Thermo-Calc). In this study, the DSC method was used to comprehensively evaluate the accuracy of calculated latent heat for a specific range of cast AlSiCu alloys, considering their solidification under different cooling conditions. The tests involved varying concentrations of two crucial alloying elements: wSi (5, 7, and 9%) and wCu (1, 2, and 4%). All selected alloys were analyzed under three distinct cooling/heating rates: 6, 10, and 50 °C/min. The Thermo-Calc method was used in this work to calculate the latent heats of the investigated alloys. The results obtained show good agreement between the measured and calculated values. The increase in silicon content in the investigated alloys from 4.85% to 9.85% resulted in the increase in latent heat from 407.6 kJ/kg to 467.5 kJ/kg. Higher cooling rates, such as 50 °C/min, resulted in a reduced latent heat release compared to slower rates such as 10 °C/min and 6 °C/min. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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15 pages, 3362 KiB  
Article
Multi-Objective Optimization of Injection Molding Parameters for Manufacturing Thin-Walled Composite Connector Terminals
by Mingbo Tan, Size Peng, Yingfei Huo and Maojun Li
Materials 2024, 17(16), 3949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17163949 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1499
Abstract
The rapid development of new energy vehicles demands significant improvements in connector structures and performance standards. Wire harness connectors, crucial for linking various electrical components, face challenges due to their small size and thin-walled structure, which can lead to dimensional shrinkage and warping [...] Read more.
The rapid development of new energy vehicles demands significant improvements in connector structures and performance standards. Wire harness connectors, crucial for linking various electrical components, face challenges due to their small size and thin-walled structure, which can lead to dimensional shrinkage and warping during injection molding. To address these issues, this study optimizes the injection molding process by fine-tuning parameters such as melt temperature, mold temperature, injection time, holding pressure/time, and cooling time. By integrating the Taguchi method with grey relational analysis, the study enhances the molding process for thin-walled composite connectors. This combined approach provides a comprehensive framework for optimizing multiple quality objectives and improving the overall performance of injection-molded composite components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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19 pages, 6679 KiB  
Article
Cu- and Fe-Doped Ni-Mn-Sn Shape Memory Alloys with Enhanced Mechanical and Magnetocaloric Properties
by Siyao Ma, Xuexi Zhang, Guangping Zheng, Mingfang Qian and Lin Geng
Materials 2024, 17(13), 3172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133172 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 986
Abstract
Ni-Mn-Sn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) are multifunctional materials that are promising for solid-state refrigeration applications based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and elastocaloric effect (eCE). However, a combination of excellent multi-caloric properties, suitable operating temperatures, and mechanical properties cannot be well achieved [...] Read more.
Ni-Mn-Sn-based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) are multifunctional materials that are promising for solid-state refrigeration applications based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and elastocaloric effect (eCE). However, a combination of excellent multi-caloric properties, suitable operating temperatures, and mechanical properties cannot be well achieved in these materials, posing a challenge for their practical application. In this work, we systematically study the phase transformations and magnetic properties of Ni50−xMn38Sn12Cux (x = 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) and Ni50−yMn38Sn12Fey (y = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) alloys, and the magnetic-structural phase diagrams of these alloy systems are reported. The influences of the fourth-element doping on the phase transitions and magnetic properties of the alloys are elucidated by first-principles calculations. This work demonstrates that the fourth-element doping of Ni-Mn-Sn-based FSMA is effective in developing multicaloric refrigerants for practical solid-state refrigeration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (3rd Edition))
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