Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.4
3.1
Journals
Materials
Special Issues
Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite...
materials-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 2591

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yong Dong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Innovation & Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Low Carbon Metallurgical Engineering, School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: high-entropy alloys; alloys; microstructures; mechanical properties; preparation; composition design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Shichao Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Special Solidification and Processing of Advanced Materials, School of Iron and Steel, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
Interests: advanced copper alloys; metal matrix composites; special processing and solidification behavior of metal alloys

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion properties of metals, alloys, and composite materials play a critical role in determining their performance and suitability for various applications. The microstructure, which includes the arrangement of grains, phases, and defects within a material, significantly influences its mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, and toughness. For instance, finer grain structures typically enhance strength through grain boundary strengthening mechanisms. Alloys, which are mixtures of two or more elements, can be engineered to optimize specific properties, such as improved corrosion resistance or enhanced mechanical strength, by tailoring their composition and processing conditions.

Composite materials, combining different materials to leverage their unique properties, offer advantages such as lightweight and high-strength qualities. The selection of matrix and reinforcement materials is crucial in determining the overall performance of composites. Furthermore, understanding the corrosion properties of these materials is essential for predicting their longevity and reliability in harsh environments. Factors such as microstructural features, surface treatment, and environmental conditions influence corrosion resistance. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior is vital for developing advanced materials that meet the demands of modern engineering applications

Dr. Yong Dong
Dr. Shichao Liu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • metal alloys
  • metal matrix composite
  • microstructure
  • mechanical properties
  • corrosion properties

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

23 pages, 5680 KiB  
Article
Influence of Laser Power on CoCrFeNiMo High-Entropy Alloy Coating Microstructure and Properties
by Shuai Li, Fuheng Nie, Jiyuan Ding, Guijun Mao, Yang Guo, Tianlan Cao, Chong Xiang and Honggang Dong
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112650 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
This work studies the fabrication of CoCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings via coaxial powder-fed laser cladding, addressing porosity and impurity issues in conventional methods. The HEA coatings exhibited eutectic/hypereutectic microstructures under all laser power conditions. A systematic investigation of laser power effects (1750–2500 [...] Read more.
This work studies the fabrication of CoCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings via coaxial powder-fed laser cladding, addressing porosity and impurity issues in conventional methods. The HEA coatings exhibited eutectic/hypereutectic microstructures under all laser power conditions. A systematic investigation of laser power effects (1750–2500 W) reveals that 2250 W optimizes microstructure and performance, yielding a dual-phase structure with FCC matrix and dispersed σ phases (Fe-Cr/Mo-rich). The coating achieves exceptional hardness (738.3 HV0.2, 3.8× substrate), ultralow wear rate (4.55 × 10−5 mm3/N·m), and minimized corrosion current (2.31 × 10−4 A/cm2) in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. The friction mechanism of the CoCrFeNiMo HEA coating is that in high-speed friction and wear, the oxide film is formed on the surface of the coating, and then the rupture of the oxide film leads to adhesive wear and abrasive wear. The corrosion mechanism is the galvanic corrosion caused by the potential difference between the FCC phase and the σ phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6108 KiB  
Article
Mg–Zn–Ca Alloy with Ultra-High Ductility and Strength Processed by Screw Rolling
by Haoran Zheng, Weitao Sun, Lijun Deng, Li Zhao, Kwang Seon Shin and Jian Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112586 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 381
Abstract
Mg alloys are highly attractive for biodegradable surgical clips because of their low density and good biocompatibility; however, their limited strength and ductility restrict their widespread application. To overcome this limitation, this study employed screw rolling (SR) to produce a Mg–3Zn–0.2Ca alloy with [...] Read more.
Mg alloys are highly attractive for biodegradable surgical clips because of their low density and good biocompatibility; however, their limited strength and ductility restrict their widespread application. To overcome this limitation, this study employed screw rolling (SR) to produce a Mg–3Zn–0.2Ca alloy with a fine microstructure and an average grain size of 1.6 µm. Experimental results showed that the SR process improved the comprehensive tensile properties of the alloy, increasing the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation from 192.6, 234.4 MPa, and 21.7% for the pre-extruded alloy to 252.3, 289 MPa, and 39.5%, respectively. Quantitative analysis of the strengthening behaviour identified grain refinement as the primary strengthening mechanism, along with considerable contributions from Orowan and dislocation strengthening. The ultra-high-tensile ductility was primarily attributed to the low internal stress, nano-sized precipitates, texture weakening, and activation of multiple slip systems. These findings provide a strategy for simultaneously increasing the ductility and strength of Mg alloys and lay a foundation for applying them as biodegradable clips. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 6287 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Wear and Corrosion Resistance on Cu-Ni-Al Composites Reinforced with CeO2 Nanoparticles
by Carola Martínez, Bárbara Valverde, Aurora Del Valle-Rodríguez, Brennie Bustos-De La Fuente, Izabel Fernanda Machado and Francisco Briones
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112438 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
This study evaluates the wear and corrosion resistance of the Cu-50Ni-5Al alloy reinforced with CeO2 nanoparticles for potential use as anodes in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Cu–50Ni–5Al alloys were synthesized, with and without the incorporation of 1% CeO2 nanoparticles, by [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the wear and corrosion resistance of the Cu-50Ni-5Al alloy reinforced with CeO2 nanoparticles for potential use as anodes in molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs). Cu–50Ni–5Al alloys were synthesized, with and without the incorporation of 1% CeO2 nanoparticles, by the mechanical alloying method and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The samples were evaluated using a single scratch test with a cone-spherical diamond indenter under progressive normal loading conditions. A non-contact 3D surface profiler characterized the scratched surfaces to support the analysis. Progressive loading tests indicated a reduction of up to 50% in COF with 1% NPs, with specific values drop-ping from 0.48 in the unreinforced alloy to 0.25 in the CeO2-doped composite at 15 N of applied load. Furthermore, the introduction of CeO2 decreased scratch depths by 25%, indicating enhanced wear resistance. The electrochemical behavior of the samples was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a molten carbonate medium under a H2/N2 atmosphere at 550 °C for 120 h. Subsequently, the corrosion products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results demonstrated that the CeO2-reinforced alloy exhibits superior electro-chemical stability in molten carbonate environments (Li2CO3-K2CO3) under an H2/N2 atmosphere at 550 °C for 120 h. A marked reduction in polarization resistance and a pronounced re-passivation effect were observed, suggesting enhanced anodic protection. This effect is attributed to the formation of aluminum and copper oxides in both compositions, together with the appearance of NiO as the predominant phase in the materials reinforced with nanoparticles in a hydrogen-reducing atmosphere. The addition of CeO2 nanoparticles significantly improves wear resistance and corrosion performance. Recognizing this effect is vital for creating strategies to enhance the material’s durability in challenging environments like MCFC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 19411 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of Cu Addition and Pre-Straining on the Natural Aging and Artificial Age-Hardening Behavior of AA6111 Alloy
by Shougang Duan, Yizhe Lu, Aiwen Li, Mingkan Tang, Weilun Chen, Chengyi Huang, Jun Du, Yanping Xu and Yan Yan
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071635 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 292
Abstract
This study systematically investigates the synergistic effects of Cu addition (0–0.7 wt.%) and 2% pre-straining on the artificial aging, natural aging (NA), and bake-hardening response (BHR) of AA6111 alloy. The results reveal that Cu significantly enhances age-hardening capacity and accelerates artificial aging kinetics. [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates the synergistic effects of Cu addition (0–0.7 wt.%) and 2% pre-straining on the artificial aging, natural aging (NA), and bake-hardening response (BHR) of AA6111 alloy. The results reveal that Cu significantly enhances age-hardening capacity and accelerates artificial aging kinetics. The 0.7Cu alloy achieved a 14% higher peak hardness (106.9 HV) than the Cu-free alloy (93.8 HV) while reducing peak aging time by 50% (from 10 h to 5 h). Pre-straining further promoted hardening rates, shortening peak aging times to 2 h for the 0.7Cu alloy. Natural aging (NA) severely suppressed BHR in non-pre-strained alloys, reducing paint baking (PB) increments by 75–77.5% after 14 days. However, the introduction of pre-straining not only reduces the negative effects of NA but also improves the BHR. TEM analysis demonstrated that Cu addition accelerated the precipitation of fine GP zones and β″ phases while pre-straining introduced dislocations that acted as heterogeneous nucleation sites for Q′ phases, refining precipitates and suppressing NA cluster formation. The synergistic combination of 0.7Cu and pre-straining achieved a superior BHR yield strength increment of 68.1 MPa with retained ductility, highlighting its potential for automotive applications requiring balanced formability and post-forming strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 9649 KiB  
Article
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Dual-Phase AlCrFe2Ni2 High-Entropy Alloy Under High-Strain-Rate Compression
by Hang Yan, Yu Wang, Xilin Gan, Yong Dong, Shichao Liu, Shougang Duan and Lingbo Mao
Materials 2025, 18(6), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18061191 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 604
Abstract
This paper investigates the effect of strain rate on the mechanical deformation and microstructural development of dual-phase AlCrFe2Ni2 high-entropy alloy during quasi-static and dynamic compression processes. It is revealed that the as-cast AlCrFe2Ni2 alloy is composed of [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the effect of strain rate on the mechanical deformation and microstructural development of dual-phase AlCrFe2Ni2 high-entropy alloy during quasi-static and dynamic compression processes. It is revealed that the as-cast AlCrFe2Ni2 alloy is composed of a mixture of FCC, disordered BCC, and ordered B2 crystal structure phases. The alloy shows excellent compressive properties under quasi-static and dynamic deformation. The yield strength exceeds 600 MPa while the compressive strength is more than 3000 MPa at the compression rates of 30% under quasi-static conditions. Under dynamic compression conditions, the ultimate compression stresses are 1522 MPa, 1816 MPa, and 1925 MPa with compression strains about 12.8%, 14.7%, and 18.2% at strain rates of 1300 s−1, 1700 s−1 and 2100 s−1, respectively. The dynamic yield strength is approximately linear with strain rate within the specified range and exhibit great sensitivity. The strong localized deformation regions (i.e., adiabatic shear bands (ASBs)) appear in dynamically deformed samples by dynamic recrystallization due to the conflicting processes of strain rate hardening and heat softening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2175 KiB  
Communication
Spontaneous Infiltration Behavior of Al Matrix into Carbon Fiber Bundles Induced by Al-Ni Binary Reaction
by Jiaming Liu, Xi Yang, Shichao Liu, Junjia Zhang, Yubo Zhang and Tingju Li
Materials 2025, 18(5), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18050966 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 334
Abstract
In this study, a Ni-coated carbon fiber reinforced Al-matrix (Ni-CF/Al) composite is prepared utilizing a pressure-free infiltration process. The CFs are coated with a layer of Ni through an electroless plating process, which facilitates the spontaneous infiltration behavior driven by the Al-Ni binary [...] Read more.
In this study, a Ni-coated carbon fiber reinforced Al-matrix (Ni-CF/Al) composite is prepared utilizing a pressure-free infiltration process. The CFs are coated with a layer of Ni through an electroless plating process, which facilitates the spontaneous infiltration behavior driven by the Al-Ni binary reaction. The spontaneous infiltration process, observed via synchrotron radiation in the direction opposite to gravity, demonstrates a fastest velocity of 31.02 ± 1.08 μm/s. By increasing the infiltration temperature, the interfacial microstructure of the composite can be enhanced, characterized by a reduction in un-infiltrated defects and promoted by the interfacial Al-Ni reaction. Notably, large-size Al-Ni intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the interface are replaced by fine (Al+Al3Ni) eutectic structure, given an optimal fabrication temperature of 720 °C. This contributes to a significantly enhanced ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the composite, reaching a maximum of 135 ± 4 MPa, which is 159.6% higher than that of the matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop