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Metals
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Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition)
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Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 August 2025 | Viewed by 8578

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Chonghe Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Ferrometallurgy & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China
Interests: titanium alloy; TiAl single crystal; intermetallic compound; theoretical calculation; alloy design; refractories for titanium alloys
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Qisheng Feng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Ferrometallurgy & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China
Interests: titanium alloy; alloy design and development; CALPHAD; phase diagram; thermodynamic

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Light alloys, including magnesium-based, aluminum-based, and titanium-based materials, are widely utilized in transportation areas, such as aviation, automotive, and light rail, due to their low density and high strength-to-weight ratio. The weight reduction in transportation translates directly into fuel savings and reduced emissions, thus contributing significantly to ecological and economic sustainability. In addition, light alloys possess unique properties and are attractive for a number of specific applications—for example, the application of titanium alloys human implants is attributed to their excellent biocompatibility; the large hydrogen storage capacity and high theoretical specific capacity for battery applications mean that magnesium alloys have great potential for energy applications. To further promote the development of light alloys, we have launched this Special Issue in Metals, where we welcome reviews and articles in the areas of basic research, theoretical calculation, design of novel alloys, material preparation and characterization, and applications of light alloys.

Prof. Dr. Chonghe Li
Guest Editor

Qisheng Feng
Guest Editor Assistant

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. Metals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • light alloy
  • lightweight high-entropy alloy
  • aluminum alloy
  • magnesium alloy
  • titanium alloy
  • magnesium–lithium alloy
  • intermetallic compound
  • thermodynamics and kinetics

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 5152 KiB  
Article
Heterogeneous Deformation-Induced Strengthening Achieves the Synergistic Enhancement of Strength and Ductility in Mg–Sc Alloys
by Wei Zhao, Mengyu Zhang, Ruxia Liu and Jian Zhang
Metals 2025, 15(4), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15040457 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 166
Abstract
Magnesium alloys are essential lightweight materials for engineering applications. However, conventional single-phase hexagonal close-packed (HCP) magnesium alloys exhibit poor cold workability and insufficient strength at room temperature, which limits their engineering applications. Compared to HCP structures with limited slip systems at room temperature, [...] Read more.
Magnesium alloys are essential lightweight materials for engineering applications. However, conventional single-phase hexagonal close-packed (HCP) magnesium alloys exhibit poor cold workability and insufficient strength at room temperature, which limits their engineering applications. Compared to HCP structures with limited slip systems at room temperature, body-centered cubic (BCC) structures possess 12 independent slip systems, enabling better plasticity. Therefore, Mg–Sc alloys with a dual-phase structure (HCP + BCC) exhibit superior plasticity compared to single-phase HCP magnesium alloys. In this study, the deformation behavior of dual-phase Mg-19.2 at.% Sc alloy was investigated, revealing its deformation characteristics and multiscale strengthening mechanisms. Experimental findings indicate that with the rise in annealing temperature, the volume fraction of the α phase progressively declines, while that of the β phase expands. Moreover, the grain size of the α phase first grows and then reduces, whereas the β phase grain size consistently enlarges. When the annealing temperature reaches 600 °C, the alloy exhibits an optimal strength–ductility combination, with an ultimate tensile strength of 329 MPa and an elongation of 20.5%. At this condition, the α phase volume fraction is 20%, while the β phase volume fraction is 80%, with corresponding grain sizes of 5.9 µm and 30.1 µm, respectively. Microstructural analysis indicates that the plastic incompatibility between the α and β phases induces significant heterogeneous deformation-induced (HDI) strengthening. Moreover, the unique bimodal grain size distribution, where the α phase grains are significantly smaller than the β phase grains, enhances the “hard phase harder, soft phase softer” heterogeneous structural effect, further amplifying the HDI strengthening contribution. This study provides new theoretical insights into multiphase interface engineering for designing high-performance dual-phase magnesium alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition))
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24 pages, 8491 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of AA2024 Aluminum Alloy with Multimodal Gradient Structures
by Zhenwei Xie, Liexing Zhou, Jun Li, Yonghua Duan, Mingjun Peng, Hongbo Xiao, Xiong Du, Yuanjie Zhao and Mengnie Li
Metals 2025, 15(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15020177 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 858
Abstract
Enhancing the strength and toughness of aluminum alloys using microstructure optimization remains a key challenge. In this study, an AA2024 aluminum alloy with a double-layer multi-gradient structure was fabricated using 50% constrained deformation and single-stage peak aging at 150 °C. Microstructural and compositional [...] Read more.
Enhancing the strength and toughness of aluminum alloys using microstructure optimization remains a key challenge. In this study, an AA2024 aluminum alloy with a double-layer multi-gradient structure was fabricated using 50% constrained deformation and single-stage peak aging at 150 °C. Microstructural and compositional analysis was performed using SEM, XRD, and TEM to investigate grain structures, dislocation density, and the distribution of precipitated phases. The results revealed a heterogeneous microstructure with variations in grain size, dislocation gradient, and precipitation phases between the constrained and deformation layers. Mechanical testing demonstrated a 30.9% increase in yield strength, a 16.4% increase in tensile strength, and a 13.9% improvement in uniform elongation compared to the T6 temper. Corrosion tests showed enhanced resistance, with a shallower intergranular corrosion depth and higher self-corrosion potential. The improved mechanical properties were attributed to the dislocation gradient and heterogeneous precipitation phases, while the enhanced corrosion resistance resulted from the transformation of the S phase from a continuous grain boundary distribution to a discontinuous distribution along dislocations. This study provides a novel approach for optimizing the mechanical and corrosion properties of AA2024 aluminum alloy using microstructure design and precise thermal–mechanical treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 9600 KiB  
Article
The Influence of the Combined Addition of La–Ce Mixed Rare Earths and Sr on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AlSi10MnMg Alloy
by Yu Liu, Zhichao Yu, Man Zhang, Qisheng Feng, Dong Zhang, Pengyue Gao and Chonghe Li
Metals 2024, 14(9), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14091050 - 14 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 980
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of adding La–Ce mixed rare earths and Sr on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi10MnMg alloy. The experiment utilized different combinations of modifiers, including single La–Ce rare earths, single Sr, and the combined addition of La–Ce mixed [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of adding La–Ce mixed rare earths and Sr on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi10MnMg alloy. The experiment utilized different combinations of modifiers, including single La–Ce rare earths, single Sr, and the combined addition of La–Ce mixed rare earths and Sr. This study compared their effects on grain refinement, the modification of the α-Al phase and eutectic silicon phase, and tensile properties and hardness. The results showed that the combined modification of Sr and mixed rare earth elements significantly refined the grains, optimized the morphology of the α-Al phase and eutectic silicon phase, and improved the overall mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy. Under the combined modification, the addition of 0.02 wt.% Sr and 0.1 wt.% RE (La–Ce mixed rare earths) exhibited the most pronounced refining effect. The secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) was reduced by 59.18%. The eutectic silicon phase transformed from coarse needle-like shapes to fine fibrous or granular forms, with an aspect ratio reduction of 69.39%. Meanwhile, the alloy’s tensile strength and hardness were significantly improved. The tensile strength increased to 240 MPa, achieving an increase of 23.08%; the yield strength increased to 111 MPa, achieving an increase of 18.09%; and the elongation reached 7.3%, achieving an increase of 73.81%. This indicates that the proper addition of Sr and mixed rare earths can significantly optimize the microstructure and enhance the mechanical properties of AlSi10MnMg alloy, providing an effective method for the preparation of high-performance heat-treatment-free aluminum alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 6514 KiB  
Article
Material Properties and Friction and Wear Behavior of Ti–18 mass% Nb Alloy after Gas Nitriding and Quenching Process
by Yoshikazu Mantani, Miku Tsuji, Eri Akada and Tomoyuki Homma
Metals 2024, 14(8), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14080944 - 19 Aug 2024
Viewed by 895
Abstract
We performed a gas nitriding and quenching process (GNQP) on Ti–18 mass% Nb alloy to obtain a high damping capacity and wear resistance. GNQP was performed at temperatures of 1023, 1123, and 1223 K. The outermost surface of the GNQP specimen obtained at [...] Read more.
We performed a gas nitriding and quenching process (GNQP) on Ti–18 mass% Nb alloy to obtain a high damping capacity and wear resistance. GNQP was performed at temperatures of 1023, 1123, and 1223 K. The outermost surface of the GNQP specimen obtained at 1023 K mainly comprised TiO2, whereas that at 1223 K mainly comprised TiN. The surface and interior of the specimens exhibited higher hardness at 1223 K than that at 1023 K. Compared to the specimen obtained by solution–quenching (AQ), the unit volume of the α” martensite phase at a depth of 320 μm of the GNQP specimen obtained at 1023 K was similar, and that at 1223 K was higher. Such a difference can be related to the difference in the core hardness of the specimens. The wear amounts of all GNQP specimens were lower than those of the AQ specimen. The coefficient of friction of the GNQP specimen obtained at 1023 K was lower than that obtained at 1223 K. The surface constituent phase and surface roughness exhibited a strong influence on the wear at a load of 500 g. Meanwhile, the nitride layer and damping capacity were considered to be related to the wear at a load of 3000 g. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 9131 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ti Addition on the Hot-Tearing Susceptibility of the AlSi5Cu2Mg Alloy
by Marek Matejka, Dana Bolibruchová and Martina Sýkorová
Metals 2024, 14(6), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14060703 - 14 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1052
Abstract
The aluminum alloy AlSi5Cu2Mg finds application in the production of high-stress cylinder head castings. The AlSi5Cu2Mg alloy is specific for its high susceptibility to hot tearing. One effective way to reduce the susceptibility of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys to hot tearing is by grain refining. [...] Read more.
The aluminum alloy AlSi5Cu2Mg finds application in the production of high-stress cylinder head castings. The AlSi5Cu2Mg alloy is specific for its high susceptibility to hot tearing. One effective way to reduce the susceptibility of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys to hot tearing is by grain refining. The AlSi5Cu2Mg alloy is designed with a specific chemical composition that significantly limits the Ti content to a maximum of 0.03 wt.%. This limitation practically limits the use of standard Al-Ti-B-based refiners. The present work focuses on the investigation of the influence of graded Ti addition on the susceptibility of the AlSi5Cu2Mg alloy to hot tearing. The Ti addition was deliberately chosen beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 wt.%). The solidification process of the experimental alloys with Ti addition was evaluated in this research. On the basis of the thermal analysis, it was shown that due to the addition of Ti, the solidification interval of the AlSi5Cu2Mg alloy increases. An increase in the solidification interval is often associated with an increase in the susceptibility to tearing. The susceptibility of the experimental alloys to hot tearing was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Based on the quantitative and qualitative evaluation, it was shown that the addition of Ti reduces the susceptibility of the AlSi5Cu2Mg alloy to hot tearing. A positive refining effect of Ti on the primary α-(Al) phase was demonstrated by microstructural evaluation. Based on this research, it was shown that despite the increase in the solidification interval due to the addition of Ti, the susceptibility of the aluminum alloy to the formation of hot tears is reduced due to the better filling of the material in the interdendritic spaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition))
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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 12435 KiB  
Article
Additive Manufacturing for Rapid Sand Casting: Mechanical and Microstructural Investigation of Aluminum Alloy Automotive Prototypes
by Silvia Cecchel and Giovanna Cornacchia
Metals 2024, 14(4), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040459 - 13 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2195
Abstract
The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid evolution to meet today’s challenges; therefore, continuous innovation and product development are needed. Validation tests on prototypes play a crucial role in moving new components into industrial production. There is also a pressing need for faster [...] Read more.
The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid evolution to meet today’s challenges; therefore, continuous innovation and product development are needed. Validation tests on prototypes play a crucial role in moving new components into industrial production. There is also a pressing need for faster prototyping processes. In this context, rapid sand casting (RSC), based on additive manufacturing technology, offers a promising solution for a quick production of sand molds. While this technology is already employed in the industry, the need to deepen the general understanding of its impact on the casting properties is still a relevant item. In this study, different geometries of automotive prototypes made of aluminum EN AC 42100-T6 alloy were experimentally analyzed. Microstructural examinations, tensile tests, and fractography and porosity analyses were conducted. The findings demonstrate the considerable potential of RSC, giving, in general, high mechanical properties. A comparative analysis with prototypes produced through traditional sand casting revealed similar results, with RSC exhibiting superior yield strength and stress at brake. However, both technologies revealed a reduced elongation percentage, as expected. Future efforts will focus on standardizing the RSC process to enhance ductility levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 3374 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Analysis of Metal Liquid Film Flow Characteristics during Centrifugal Spray Forming
by Peng Li, Shizhong Wei, Xianqing Lei, Lu Yang, Bo Sun and Shuaiwu Tong
Metals 2023, 13(10), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13101687 - 3 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1514
Abstract
Liquid films are an important part of liquid metal granulation in the process of centrifugal spray forming. The size of the granulated particles has an important influence on the density, grain size and microstructure uniformity of the deposited blanks. The particle size is [...] Read more.
Liquid films are an important part of liquid metal granulation in the process of centrifugal spray forming. The size of the granulated particles has an important influence on the density, grain size and microstructure uniformity of the deposited blanks. The particle size is closely related to the flow characteristics of liquid films. Therefore, enhancing our understanding of the flow characteristics of liquid films can provide guidance for forming blanks. In this study, force analysis of a liquid film on the surface of a high-speed rotating centrifugal disc used in centrifugal spray-forming technology was carried out using D’Alembert’s principle and Newton’s law of viscosity. Then, combined with the principle of mass conservation, a theoretical model of the smooth flow of the liquid metal film was established. The experimental values obtained by Leshev were compared with our values to verify the correctness and accuracy of the model. Through the model, the influencing factors of the liquid film flow were obtained, such as the centrifugal disc speed, centrifugal disc radius, inlet volume flow rate and kinematic viscosity. Taking A390 aluminum alloy as the research object, the influence of the process parameters on the thickness, velocity and trajectory of the liquid film was revealed theoretically, and the relationship between the process parameters and the trajectory length and liquid film thickness was clarified. Modeling and analysis can not only help us to understand the flow of a liquid film, but also help us to predict the relevant parameters, which is convenient for the accurate and rapid regulation of the process to obtain the desired flow parameters. Therefore, the research content of this paper is of great significance for the preparation of billets with a uniform microstructure and excellent mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloy and Its Application (2nd Edition))
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