Microstructure and Deformation Mechanisms of Alloys

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701). This special issue belongs to the section "Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 690

Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Engineering Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: titanium alloy; rolling; heat treatment; microstructure evolution

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rising demand for advanced alloys with tailored microstructures and optimized deformation mechanisms—while reducing the reliance on conventional methods—drives innovation in alloy design. This Special Issue, “Microstructure and Deformation Mechanisms of Alloys”, highlights the advances in controlling alloy microstructures across processing stages and their links to mechanical behavior.

Research on alloys has long targeted materials where traditional processing fails to achieve the desired microstructures or properties. Strategies like grain boundary engineering, phase transformation, and thermomechanical treatments have expanded applications to titanium alloys, high-strength steels, and lightweight composites. The precise control of composition, microstructural scales (atomic defects to microstructure), and deformation mechanisms (dislocation slip, twinning, phase change) is key to high-performance alloys.

Processing routes—from conventional casting/forging to additive manufacturing or severe plastic deformation—are critical to final microstructures and deformation traits. Controlling thermal gradients, strain rates, and kinetic parameters (e.g., laser/electric-field assistance) enables alloys with optimized strength–ductility synergy or damage tolerance, often eliminating the post-processing stage.

We invite studies on alloy processing, microstructure–deformation relationships, and fundamental/mechanistic insights (e.g., dislocation dynamics, interface-mediated deformation) or applied advances (e.g., extreme environment alloys). Focus areas include in situ deformation analysis, multi-scale modeling, and efficient processes for high-performance alloys. Contributions bridging microstructure design and practical applications (e.g., aerospace, energy) are highly encouraged.

Dr. Shiwei Tian
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • microstructure
  • deformation mechanism
  • mechanical properties
  • alloys
  • failure analysis

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 5227 KB  
Article
Synergistic Regulation of Microstructure and Mechanical Property in TiAl Alloys via Rolling and Cyclic Heat Treatment
by Shiwei Tian, Zhiqian Liao, Dejun Song, Chong Li, Kuishan Sun, Lin Yuan and Haitao Jiang
Metals 2026, 16(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16010126 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 436
Abstract
The presence of the brittle β/B2 phase in TiAl alloys often deteriorates their mechanical properties, posing a significant challenge for manufacturing large-sized, high-performance sheets. To address this issue, this study systematically investigates the synergistic effect of pack rolling and subsequent heat treatment on [...] Read more.
The presence of the brittle β/B2 phase in TiAl alloys often deteriorates their mechanical properties, posing a significant challenge for manufacturing large-sized, high-performance sheets. To address this issue, this study systematically investigates the synergistic effect of pack rolling and subsequent heat treatment on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a Ti-44Al-4Nb-1.5Mo-0.1B-0.1Y alloy. Sheets with two different deformation levels (R7: 69.8% and R11: 83.0% reduction) were prepared via pack rolling. This was followed by a series of heat treatments at different temperatures (1150–1350 °C) and cyclic heat treatments at 1250 °C (3, 6, and 9 cycles). The results demonstrate that the higher deformation level (R11) promoted extensive dynamic recrystallization, resulting in a uniform microstructure of equiaxed γ, α2, and β phases, while the lower deformation (R7) retained a significant fraction of deformed γ/α2 lamellae. Heat treatment at 1250 °C was identified as optimal for transforming the microstructure into fine lamellar colonies while effectively reducing the β/B2 phase. Cyclic heat treatment at this temperature further decreased the β-phase content to 4.1% after 9 cycles. The elimination mechanism was determined to follow the β→ α → γ + α2 phase transformation sequence, driven by the combined effect of rolling-induced defects and cyclic thermal stress. Cyclic heat treatment at this temperature was particularly effective in generating a high density of nucleation sites within the lamellar colonies, leading to significant refinement of the lamellar structure. Consequently, the R11 sheet subjected to 9 cycles of heat treatment exhibited a 15.5% increase in tensile strength and an 8.3% improvement in elongation compared to the hot-isostatically pressed state. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the significant refinement of lamellar colonies and the reduction in interlamellar spacing. This work presents an effective integrated processing strategy for fabricating high-performance TiAl alloy sheets with superior strength and toughness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation Mechanisms of Alloys)
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