Metallic Functional Materials

Materials are usually classified into structural and functional ones. Structural materials are suitable for applications based on their load-bearing capacity, on their mechanical properties. Functional materials, on the other hand, have a more extended range of applications, since they encompass magnetic, electric, or optical properties, to mention just a few. In this sense, functional materials have a phenomenology much broader than that of structural materials, and the discovery of new applications would consequently expand the field, creating new subclasses. Therefore, this Section of Metals is open to a broad range of materials (with the obvious restriction of being metallic materials), an extended set of properties, and a diverse spectrum of applications.

This Section also accommodates borderline cases in which functionality plays a relevant role. As an example, from the compositional point of view, metal-containing composites for functional applications would fit this section, insofar as the metallic fraction of the composite provides the desired functional properties. From the properties point of view, improving the mechanical properties of functional materials to enhance the reliability, durability, and sustainability of the functional parts could also be appropriate for this Section.

We welcome submissions that focus on the development of new or enhanced metallic functional materials, the advancement of modeling and simulation techniques that are capable of predicting their functional properties, experimental techniques related to the characterization of these properties, and novel applications that exploit the functionality of the materials.

All submitted contributions are subject to a strict peer review process, and the decision on publication is always based on the recommendations of independent experts. The core practices of COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) are followed throughout the editorial and publishing process.