Innovations in Heat Treatment of Metallic Materials

Dear Colleagues,

The accelerating transition toward zero-defect manufacturing (ZDM) in metal components is driving an 8.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in advanced heat treatment technologies (2024-2030), positioning phase transformation engineering as the cornerstone of next-generation metallic systems. Advanced thermomechanical technologies, including austempering/Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P), Carburizing/Nitriding, intercritical annealing, and flash heat treatment, have been developed. Core innovations in advanced steels and metals such as high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels, third-generation advanced high-strength steels (3G-AHSS), additively manufactured alloys, and nanostructured bainitic steels have been realized. Efficient experimental characterization and simulation, through, for example, phase-field modeling of phase transformations, crystallographic texture evolution, in situ synchrotron diffraction, and machine learning for heat treatment optimization, contribute significantly to the innovative design of metallic materials.

This Special Issue will focus on cutting-edge advances in thermal processing technologies for metallic materials, bridging fundamental thermodynamics and industrial implementation through precision-controlled thermal processes. We seek contributions elucidating microstructure–property relationships under novel heat treatment regimes, including but not limited to the following: 1. phase transformation kinetics in ultrahigh-carbon steels and lightweight alloys; 2. energy-efficient processes (e.g., induction heating, laser-assisted treatments); 3. residual stress engineering through computational thermodynamics; 4. AI-guided design of heat treatment cycles; 5. sustainable approaches to reducing CO₂ emissions in industrial heat treatment; 6. in situ characterization of phase evolution during rapid heating.

Dr. Zhenli Mi
Guest Editor

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