New Insights into Aluminum Alloys: Processing, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 881

Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Metallurgy, University of Zagreb, Aleja Narodnih Heroja 3, 44000 Sisak, Croatia
Interests: foundry alloys; alumuminum alloys; microstructure; properties; casting technologies; numerical simulation; recycling
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Foundry Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: cast aluminum alloys; casting technologies; solidification; materials characterization; thermodynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The performance and reliability of aluminum alloys are fundamentally determined by solidification behavior and microstructure development, making new insights into these processes essential for modern applications. As aluminum remains a key material in the automotive, aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors, a deeper understanding of phase formation, transformation pathways, and composition–processing relationships is increasingly critical.

Solidification governs nucleation, grain growth, and intermetallic phase evolution, directly shaping the mechanical and functional properties of both cast and additively manufactured components. New findings on the interplay among alloying elements, melt treatment, and cooling conditions are crucial for advancing high-performance alloy design.

Simultaneously, emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, near-net-shape casting, and simulation-driven process optimization offer unprecedented control over thermodynamic behavior and microstructure tailoring. These approaches enable complex geometries, improved material utilization, and highly engineered solidification paths that redefine the potential of aluminum alloys.

This Special Issue aims to present new insights into solidification mechanisms, microstructure evolution, and innovative processing routes for aluminum alloys. We welcome contributions on solidification modeling, advanced characterization, additive manufacturing, recycling strategies, and next-generation alloy concepts.

We are pleased to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Research articles, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Zdenka Zovko Brodarac
Prof. Dr. Witold K. Krajewski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • aluminum alloys
  • chemical composition
  • solidification
  • microstructure evolution
  • simulation and modelling
  • casting technologies
  • additive manufacturing
  • intermetallic phases
  • recycling
  • mechanical properties
  • process optimisation
  • advanced alloy design

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

27 pages, 6916 KB  
Article
Effect of Microstructure Development on the Corrosion Behavior of EN AW-5083 in As-Cast and Homogenized Conditions
by Natalija Dolić, Zdenka Zovko Brodarac, Franjo Kozina and Anita Begić Hadžipašić
Metals 2026, 16(6), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16060580 - 25 May 2026
Viewed by 490
Abstract
The corrosion behavior of the EN AW-5083 alloy was investigated due to its widespread use in marine and transportation applications. The study examined the influence of microstructure development on corrosion behavior in both as-cast and homogenized conditions. Thermodynamic calculations, differential scanning calorimetry, and [...] Read more.
The corrosion behavior of the EN AW-5083 alloy was investigated due to its widespread use in marine and transportation applications. The study examined the influence of microstructure development on corrosion behavior in both as-cast and homogenized conditions. Thermodynamic calculations, differential scanning calorimetry, and metallographic characterization were used to analyze solidification and microstructure development, while electrochemical testing was applied to evaluate corrosion resistance in a solution simulating severe outdoor exposure conditions, primarily marine, industrial, and transportation environments. The results show that the as-cast microstructure contains a heterogeneous distribution of anodic and cathodic intermetallic phases, which promotes localized corrosion. Homogenization at 520 °C led to the dissolution of the Al8Mg5 (β) phase, resulting in reduced sensitization effects and slightly improved corrosion resistance. However, high corrosion rates were observed in both metallurgical conditions, indicating limited resistance under the applied testing conditions. The study confirms that microstructural modification through homogenization influences corrosion mechanisms in EN AW-5083. Full article
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