Processing Technology and Properties of Light Metals

Dear Colleagues,

Light metal alloys, that are based on Aluminium (Al), Magnesium (Mg), and Titanium (Ti), are widely used in transportation, aerospace, medicine, and various types of construction and consumer goods manufacturing. Growing production costs and a tendency to reduce energy consumption at the application stage heighten the requirements for improved mechanical properties (strength and toughness) and a greater strength-to-weight ratio. This initiates further developments of new alloy compositions and processing technologies.

The strength-to-weight ratio can be increased via additions of alloying metals with a density lower than the major element (for example, Li in an Al matrix or Mg in a Ti matrix). Energy saving in manufacturing can be achieved via reductions in the number of processing steps or a combination of several steps together. Energy saving technologies may include the following: (1) thin strip casting followed by 1–2 stages of hot/cold rolling; (2) warm rolling, when heat treatment is combined with the final deformation stage; Modern technologies of additive manufacturing have opened opportunities for shape customization, alloy design, and property enhancement. However, complex thermal profiles introduced into 3D-printed metal components require further technological optimization to equalize the properties throughout the volume or to assure the formation of a desirable microstructure–property gradient.

This Special Issue is dedicated to alloy design and the development of new processing technologies for modern Al-, Mg-, and Ti-based alloys. The effects of alloying elements, such as Si, Mg, Cu, Zr, Sc, Li, V, Nb, and Mo, on microstructure and mechanical properties will be analysed. Recent trends in additive manufacturing, thin strip casting, and thermo-mechanical processing will be discussed. Novel research results and comprehensive reviews of previously published data are welcome in this Special Issue.

Dr. Andrii Kostryzhev
Dr. Olexandra O. Marenych
Guest Editors

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