Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.4
3.2
Journals
Materials
Special Issues
Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition)
materials-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition)

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 3399

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Pan Gong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: bulk metallic glasses; high-entropy alloys; titanium alloys; metallic composites; precision metal plastic forming; powder metallurgy; incremental sheet forming
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Maojun Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing Technology for Vehicle, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
Interests: superalloys; metal cutting; composites; additive manufacturing; laser processing/cutting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xin Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory for New Type of Functional Materials of Hebei Province, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300400, China
Interests: solidification behavior of light alloys; bulk metallic glass composites; strengthening and toughening of metals and their fatigue behavior; functional metal materials for water treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Guangchao Han

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Information, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: microforming; ultrasonic forming; ultrasonic machining; additive manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical metallurgy is important in the design and optimization via microstructural modifications and processing techniques of advanced materials with superior physical and mechanical properties over their service lives. The goal of this Special Issue on the physical metallurgy of metals and alloys is to bring together information on the recent progress, novel technologies, and advanced equipment described in our works on the design and development of advanced metals and alloys and to provide guidelines/benchmarks for further research in related areas. Composites, intermetallics, and nano materials as well as functional materials will also be included.

Examples of some of the recent advances relating to the design, properties, and processing of advanced metals and alloys include novel material processing techniques, manufacturing methods/theories, microstructural characterization, modeling development, and advanced equipment. Conventional and nonconventional processes relating to machining, forming, laser processing, additive/subtractive manufacturing, surface modification, and the solidification of high-performance alloys/metals are also included. 

Topics of papers that will be considered for publication in this Special Issue of Materials can include all the above classes of materials and the areas of physical metallurgy, process metallurgy, materials science, and processing techniques. Specific areas of interest also include titanium-/nickel-based superalloys, intermetallics, advanced metallic materials, nano materials, metal matrix composites, functional materials, related synthesis and processing techniques, finite element modeling, statistical analysis, physical/mechanical property characterization, experimental validation, and other relevant phenomena. Full papers, short communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Pan Gong
Prof. Dr. Maojun Li
Dr. Xin Wang
Prof. Dr. Guangchao Han
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • advanced metallic alloys
  • combinatorial alloy design
  • additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy
  • energy field-assisted machining and plastic-forming technologies
  • solidification and casting
  • high-energy beam welding
  • heat treatment and surface treatment
  • microstructure-property characterization
  • simulation and modeling
  • strengthening and toughening technologies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 9182 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Pre-Stretching and Aging Temperature on Precipitation Behavior and Damage Tolerance of an Al-Cu-Li Alloy
by Ben Lin, Changlin Li, Xiwu Li, Yongan Zhang, Kai Wen, Ying Li, Lizhen Yan, Yanan Li, Hongwei Yan, Zhihui Li and Baiqing Xiong
Materials 2026, 19(6), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19061245 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 266
Abstract
This study systematically investigates the synergistic effects of the pre-stretching deformation and aging temperature on the precipitation behavior and mechanical properties of an Al-Cu-Li alloy. The results indicate that increasing the pre-stretching deformation significantly refines and increases the number density of T1 [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates the synergistic effects of the pre-stretching deformation and aging temperature on the precipitation behavior and mechanical properties of an Al-Cu-Li alloy. The results indicate that increasing the pre-stretching deformation significantly refines and increases the number density of T1 and θ′ phases while optimizing the grain boundary precipitate morphology, thereby enhancing the fracture toughness and fatigue resistance without compromising the high strength. In contrast, elevating the aging temperature promotes the coarsening of the T1 phase, inhibits θ′ precipitation, and coarsens the grain boundary precipitates, leading to a deteriorated damage tolerance. By matching 3.5~4.5% pre-stretching with 145~155 °C aging, a synergistic optimization of ultra-high strength and damage tolerance can be achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4150 KB  
Article
Calcium Sulfate Whiskers Dual-Enhance Mechanical and Anti-Corrosion Properties of Magnesium Phosphate Coatings
by Yaxin Zheng, Haoran Chen, Yi Liu and Xiang Gao
Materials 2026, 19(5), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19051032 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 337
Abstract
Inorganic magnesium potassium phosphate (MKP) coatings offer rapid, zero-volatile organic compound (VOC) corrosion protection for steel structures. However, their application is impeded by insufficient mechanical strength and limited barrier durability. This study integrates calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) into a sprayable MKP matrix. Unlike [...] Read more.
Inorganic magnesium potassium phosphate (MKP) coatings offer rapid, zero-volatile organic compound (VOC) corrosion protection for steel structures. However, their application is impeded by insufficient mechanical strength and limited barrier durability. This study integrates calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs) into a sprayable MKP matrix. Unlike conventional polymeric or metallic fibers, CSWs demonstrate excellent chemical compatibility with the MKP matrix, enabling a dual-enhancement mechanism. The optimal formulation, containing 15 wt.% CSWs, boosts the 28-day compressive strength by 35% and the bond strength by 39%. Electrochemical analysis shows a 93.6% increase in coating resistance (Rf), indicating an improved physical barrier against corrosive species, along with a 52% reduction in corrosion current density. These improvements result from fiber bridging and a dissolution–reprecipitation process that densifies the whisker–matrix interface. Nevertheless, an excessive amount of CSW (20 wt.%) disrupts the matrix continuity and reduces performance. This work presents a high-strength, zero-VOC, spray-applied coating with a novel dual-enhancement mechanism for durable steel protection in aggressive environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 18560 KB  
Article
Effects of Cu Content on the Corrosion Resistance of CuxCoCrMoNi High-Entropy Alloy
by Yuhua Peng, Ying Wang, Hansheng Zhao, Shuobin Chen, Yuxuan Liu, Mao Zhang, Pan Gong, Zhigang Hu and Ming Ma
Materials 2026, 19(5), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19051017 - 6 Mar 2026
Viewed by 337
Abstract
In this study, the corrosion behavior of CuXCoCrMoNi (x = 0.3, 0.6, 0.9) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) in 3.5% NaCl solution is systematically investigated. The alloy samples show a strong link between copper content and corrosion resistance. It is noteworthy that an [...] Read more.
In this study, the corrosion behavior of CuXCoCrMoNi (x = 0.3, 0.6, 0.9) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) in 3.5% NaCl solution is systematically investigated. The alloy samples show a strong link between copper content and corrosion resistance. It is noteworthy that an increase in copper content promotes element segregation, resulting in an increase in corrosion current density from 2.138 × 10−7 μA/cm2 to 1.8989 × 10−6 μA/cm2 and a decrease in charge transfer resistance from 182.6 Ω·cm2 to 42.34 Ω·cm2. In addition, electrochemical experiments demonstrate that lowering the copper content in the alloys reduces the spread and depth of corrosion. All alloys exhibit n-type semiconductor behavior, with donor density increasing from 4.792 × 1023 cm−3 to 5.581 × 1023 cm−3 with increasing copper content. Notably, the passive film is characterized by the presence of Cr2O3 and Cu2O as its main constituents. As the copper content in the HEA increases, higher levels of copper oxides in the passive film inhibit the formation of chromium oxides. This degrades the passive film quality, thereby diminishing the overall corrosion resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 13719 KB  
Article
Effect of Gd Alloying on Magnetic Properties of Direct-Quenched Fe-Gd-B Nanocrystalline Alloys
by Linli Wang, Yuanyuan Wang, Zhongao Wang, Ming Nie, Feng Huang, Wangyan Lv, Huameng Fu, Haifeng Zhang and Zhengwang Zhu
Materials 2026, 19(3), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030561 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 434
Abstract
Nanocrystalline Fe-Gd-B alloys were successfully synthesized via Gd alloying in a binary Fe-B system using a single-roller melt-spinning technique. A systematic investigation of Gd content variation (0–4.35 at.%) reveals its critical role in tuning microstructure evolution, thermal stability, and magnetic properties. Crucially, the [...] Read more.
Nanocrystalline Fe-Gd-B alloys were successfully synthesized via Gd alloying in a binary Fe-B system using a single-roller melt-spinning technique. A systematic investigation of Gd content variation (0–4.35 at.%) reveals its critical role in tuning microstructure evolution, thermal stability, and magnetic properties. Crucially, the Fe90.70Gd2.32B6.98 alloy ribbon exhibits optimized magnetic performance, achieving a high saturation magnetic induction (Bs) of 1.67 T and a low coercivity (Hc) of 2.737 kA/m. This enhancement is attributed to the suppression α-Fe grain growth through Gd-induced elevation of the thermal stability of the amorphous matrix, which confines the average crystallite size to 26.3 nm. The refined α-Fe phase contributes to elevated Bs through an increased ferromagnetic fraction, while its nanoscale grain structure, combined with wide magnetic domain configurations, effectively reduces Hc by limiting domain wall pinning sites. These findings establish that the synergistic effect of Gd alloying and Fe/B ratio adjustment is a viable strategy for designing high-performance Fe-based magnetic alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 25553 KB  
Article
Effect of Fe and Si Content on Microstructure and Properties of Al-Cu-Li Alloys
by Tianyi Feng, Wei Zhao, Changlin Li, Ying Li, Xiwu Li, Zhicheng Liu, Lizhen Yan, Pengfei Xu, Hongwei Yan, Yongan Zhang, Zhihui Li and Baiqing Xiong
Materials 2026, 19(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010147 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 668
Abstract
This study systematically investigates the effects of Fe and Si impurities on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys. Five alloy compositions with controlled Fe (0.03–0.12 wt.%) and Si (0.03–0.12 wt.%) contents were fabricated and processed through homogenization, hot extrusion, solution treatment, [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates the effects of Fe and Si impurities on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys. Five alloy compositions with controlled Fe (0.03–0.12 wt.%) and Si (0.03–0.12 wt.%) contents were fabricated and processed through homogenization, hot extrusion, solution treatment, and aging. Microstructural characterization demonstrates that Fe promotes the formation of coarse skeletal Al7Cu2Fe intermetallics, while Si facilitates the precipitation of blocky α-AlFeSi phases and eutectic Si particles. An elevated Fe content substantially deteriorates strength, ductility, and fracture toughness, primarily due to two mechanisms: the persistence of thermally stable impurity phases that serve as stress concentrators and preferential crack initiation sites throughout thermomechanical processing, and the consumption of Cu that reduces the volume fraction of primary T1 (Al2CuLi) strengthening precipitates. In contrast, Si exhibits comparatively moderate detrimental effects. The findings establish that stringent Fe control is essential for maintaining mechanical performance, whereas strategic Si adjustment offers a viable approach for cost management in recycled alloy production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6936 KB  
Article
Mechanistic Insights into Cooling-Rate-Governed Acicular Ferrite Transformation Kinetics and Strengthening-Toughening Synergy in EH36 Heavy Steel Plate
by Chunliang Yan, Fengming Wang, Rongli Sang and Qingjun Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(20), 4661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18204661 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 902
Abstract
This study was focused on addressing the performance degradation in core microstructures of ultra-heavy steel plates (thickness ≥ 50 mm) caused by non-uniform cooling during thermo-mechanical controlled processing. Using microalloyed DH36 steel as the research subject, we systematically investigated the effects of cooling [...] Read more.
This study was focused on addressing the performance degradation in core microstructures of ultra-heavy steel plates (thickness ≥ 50 mm) caused by non-uniform cooling during thermo-mechanical controlled processing. Using microalloyed DH36 steel as the research subject, we systematically investigated the effects of cooling rate on the nucleation and growth of acicular ferrite and its consequent microstructure-property relationships through an integrated approach combining in situ observation via high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy with multiscale characterization techniques. Results demonstrate that the cooling rate significantly affects acicular ferrite formation, with the range of 3–7 °C/s being most conducive to acicular ferrite formation. At 5 °C/s, the acicular ferrite volume fraction reached a maximum of 74% with an optimal aspect ratio (5.97). Characterization confirmed that TiOx-Al2O3·SiO2-MnO-MnS complex inclusions act as effective nucleation sites for acicular ferrite, where the MnS outer layer plays a key role in reducing interfacial energy and promoting acicular ferrite radial growth. Furthermore, the interlocking acicular ferrite structure was shown to enhance microhardness by 14% (HV0.1 = 212.5) compared to conventional ferrite through grain refinement strengthening and dislocation strengthening (with a dislocation density of 2 × 108 dislocations/mm2). These results provide crucial theoretical insights and a practical processing window for strengthening-toughening control of heavy plate core microstructures, offering a viable pathway for improving the comprehensive performance of ultra-heavy plates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Metallurgy of Metals and Alloys (4th Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop