Announcements

Conference: ACS Spring 2026
Organization: American Chemical Society
Date: 22−26 March 2026
Place: Atlanta, GA, USA
Booth: #726

A number of MDPI journals will be attending ACS Spring 2026 as exhibitors, an exciting event being held in Atlanta, GA, USA, from 22 to 26 March 2026.

ACS Meetings & Expositions are the prime location for chemistry professionals to meet in order to exchange ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. By attracting thousands of professionals in the field of chemistry, the meetings provide excellent opportunities for peers to engage with one another and share their passion for chemistry, connecting with one of the world's largest scientific societies and helping to advance careers in this ever-changing global field.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Molecules;
• IJMS;
• DDC;
• Analytica;
• AppliedChem;
• ChemEngineering;
• Colorants;
• Materials;
• Metals;
• Microplastics;
• Molbank;
• Reactions;
• Separations;
• Alloys.

If you are attending the above conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth, booth #726. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

Of the participating journals, one is celebrating its anniversary:

The year 2026 also marks the 30th anniversary of Molecules (ISSN: 1420-3049), a peer-reviewed, open access journal of chemistry, published semimonthly online by MDPI. With an Impact Factor of 4.6 and a CiteScore of 8.6, the journal is indexed in Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, MEDLINE, PMC, Reaxys, CaPlus / SciFinder, MarinLit, AGRIS, and other databases.

We value the contributions made by our editors, authors, and reviewers.

The “Additive Manufacturing” Section of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) showcases cutting-edge research on metal-based additive manufacturing, spanning both fundamental studies and real-world applications. We embrace a multidisciplinary approach to deepen the understanding of additive manufacturing processes. Key areas of interest include process optimization, microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, computational modeling, and the development of novel materials for additive manufacturing.

We welcome both theoretical and experimental studies, as well as applied research with industrial significance. 

As all papers published in Metals are open access, there is free and unlimited access to all full texts. We invite you to explore our highly cited papers from 2024, listed below.

1. “The Effects of Layer Thickness on the Mechanical Properties of Additive Friction Stir Deposition-Fabricated Aluminum Alloy 6061 Parts”
by Hamed Ghadimi, Mojtaba Talachian, Huan Ding, Selami Emanet and Shengmin Guo
Metals 2024, 14(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14010101
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/1/101

2. “Advancements in Metal Processing Additive Technologies: Selective Laser Melting (SLM)”
by Neetesh Soni, Gilda Renna and Paola Leo
Metals 2024, 14(9), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14091081
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/9/1081

3. “The Challenges and Advances in Recycling/Re-Using Powder for Metal 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Review”
by Alex Lanzutti and Elia Marin
Metals 2024, 14(8), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14080886
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/8/886

4. “Review on the Tensile Properties and Strengthening Mechanisms of Additive Manufactured CoCrFeNi-Based High-Entropy Alloys”
by Zhining Wu, Shanshan Wang, Yunfeng Jia, Weijian Zhang, Ruiguang Chen, Boxuan Cao, Suzhu Yu and Jun Wei
Metals 2024, 14(4), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040437
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/437

5. “Evaluation of Lattice Structures for Medical Implants: A Study on the Mechanical Properties of Various Unit Cell Types”
by Pedro Nogueira, Pedro Lopes, Luís Oliveira, Jorge L. Alves, João P. G. Magrinho, Augusto Moita de Deus, M. Fátima Vaz and M. Beatriz Silva
Metals 2024, 14(7), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14070780
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/7/780

6. “Review of the Use of Metals in Biomedical Applications: Biocompatibility, Additive Manufacturing Technologies, and Standards and Regulations”
by Leila Ladani and Michael Palmieri
Metals 2024, 14(9), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14091039
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/9/1039 

7. “Effect of Aging Temperature on Microstructure, Mechanical, and Wear Properties of 18Ni-300 Maraging Steel Produced by Powder Bed Fusion”
by Nawon Kwak, Yujin Lim, Seokha Heo, Chami Jeon and Ilguk Jo
Metals 2024, 14(4), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040375
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/375

8. “Additive Manufacturing of Metal Materials for Construction Engineering: An Overview on Technologies and Applications”
by Ilaria Capasso, Francesca Romana Andreacola and Giuseppe Brando
Metals 2024, 14(9), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14091033
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/9/1033

9. “Genetic Algorithm-Based Framework for Optimization of Laser Beam Path in Additive Manufacturing”
by Primož Potočnik, Andrej Jeromen and Edvard Govekar
Metals 2024, 14(4), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040410
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/410

10. “Laser Powder Bed Fusion Fabrication of a Novel Carbide-Free Bainitic Steel: The Possibilities and a Comparative Study with the Conventional Alloy”
by Mattia Franceschi, Arshad Yazdanpanah, Davide Leone, Luca Pezzato and Manuele Dabalà
Metals 2024, 14(1), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14010113
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/1/113

Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) is delighted to announce the winner of the Best PhD Thesis Award, which honors outstanding doctoral research in the field of metallurgy and metallurgical engineering. This award recognizes early career researchers whose PhD work demonstrates exceptional scientific quality, innovation, and potential impact.

This year’s award has been granted to the following paper:

“The design, mechanical properties and nanoscale degradation characteristics of ultra-lean bioresorbable Mg–Ca alloys”
by Dr. Tatiana Akhmetshina (ETH Zurich, Switzerland)

As the awardee, Dr. Tatiana Akhmetshina will receive CHF 500, an electronic certificate, and a voucher to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for one submission in Metals (subject to peer review)—valid for one year.

With an impressive number of high-quality submissions, the selection process was highly competitive. The Metals Editorial Office and Award Evaluation Committee would like to thank all applicants for their excellent contributions, which covered a wide variety of research topics.

On behalf of the Editorial Office, we would like to congratulate Dr. Tatiana Akhmetshina and wish her continued success in her research career.

Metals Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce updates to our article template, aimed at improving the readability and visual appeal of our publications. The following updates will be applied to articles published in volumes in 2026, starting from 19 December 2025.

Left information bar:

• Updated the logo and URL for “Check for updates”;
• Removed the “Citation” section (Note: Citation details remain accessible via “Cite” in the online article version);
• Changed the link in “Copyright” to a hyperlink format.

Footer:

• Added a DOI link at the bottom-right corner of each page.

The updated template is now available for download from the Instructions for Authors page of each journal.

We hope that the new version of the template will provide users with better experience and make the process more convenient.

For any questions or suggestions, please contact our production team at production@mdpi.com.

We are delighted to share the announcement of the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate™. It is our honor to announce that three esteemed Editorial Board Members of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) have been accorded this recognition. We wish to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the immense impact these researchers have had on scientific progress in the field as well as on the development of our journal.

The following is a list of Metals’ Editorial Board Members named highly cited researchers in 2025:

To encourage further cooperation with excellent scholars from all around the world, we welcome you to contribute your excellent work to our journal. If you have any proposals for Special Issues, please contact us. Your support would be highly appreciated.

Additionally, we would like to share with you the most cited and viewed papers of Metals: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/metals/most_cited. You are welcome to share and recommend these papers within your community.

Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) is pleased to announce the following 34 researchers who have been added to our group of 2025–2026 Early Career Editorial Board Members. Please join us in congratulating them on joining the Metals community.

AI-powered material science and engineering is a rapidly growing and highly popular research field at the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials innovation. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI accelerates the discovery, design, and optimization of new materials, significantly reducing time and costs compared with traditional trial-and-error methods. Researchers use AI to predict material properties, screen vast databases, and simulate complex behaviors under various conditions. This transformative approach is revolutionizing industries such as energy, electronics, and healthcare. With increasing investments and breakthroughs, AI-driven materials science is now a hotspot in both academia and industry, offering immense potential for sustainable and high-performance material development.

To advance this transformative frontier, we invite you to explore a curated collection of cutting-edge research articles, journals, and Special Issues spanning diverse domains within AI-powered material sciences and engineering, including intelligent materials design, autonomous experimentation, multiscale modeling, and sustainable materials innovation. By disseminating these breakthroughs, we aim to inspire, accelerate, and champion innovation in materials research, translating scientific discovery into collaborative dialog and real-world applications that will shape a more resilient and sustainable future.

Keynote Speakers:

Prof. Dr. Stefano Mariani Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy	Prof. Dr. Jian Feng Wang City University of Hong Kong, China

 Free to register for this webinar here!

Prof. Michele Parrinello is an Italian physicist particularly known for his work in molecular dynamics, the computer simulation of physical movements of atoms and molecules. To honor his enduring legacy in advancing computational science, MDPI is proud to establish the Michele Parrinello Award through the initiative of his former student, Prof. Xin-Gao Gong. This biennial international award recognizes senior researchers who have made outstanding contributions to computational physical sciences, encompassing physics, chemistry, and materials science with particular emphasis on pioneering contributions to foundational science.

Nomination deadline: 31 March 2026.

Prize:

• EUR 50000;
• An award medal and a certificate.

For more details about the award, please visit here.

We are honored to present a series of thought-provoking interviews with pioneering experts at the forefront of AI-powered materials science and engineering, as they share their transformative journeys and visionary insights on accelerating material discovery, innovation, and sustainable development across diverse scientific and industrial landscapes.

Name: Dr. Fernando Gomes de Souza Junior Affiliation: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil “Perhaps the work I am most proud of is the development of a unique, unprecedented scale for assessing the hazard of micro- and nanoplastics. No standardized global metric existed. We aggregated data from hundreds of articles—toxicity, size, shape, surface charge, chemical composition, environmental behavior—and trained an AI model to classify the relative risk of each particle type. This would have been impossible without AI.” Please read the full interview here.

Name: Dr. Pedro Morouço Affiliation: Polytechnic University of Leiria, Portugal “In my own work, AI has become the “glue” between biomechanics and biomaterials. Wearable-sensor and imaging data inform digital twins of tissues; surrogate models then explore scaffold designs that best support anticipated loads, healing profiles, or athlete-specific movement patterns. This has shortened iteration cycles (from weeks to days) when tuning lattice density, pore geometry, or printing paths to meet simultaneous targets like strength, compliance, and nutrient diffusion.” Please read the full interview here.

 “A Comprehensive Review of Machine-Learning Approaches for Crystal Structure/Property Prediction”
by Mostafa Sadeghian, Arvydas Palevicius and Giedrius Janusas
Crystals 2025, 15(11), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15110925

“Synthetic Rebalancing of Imbalanced Macro Etch Testing Data for Deep Learning Image Classification”
by Yann Niklas Schöbel, Martin Müller and Frank Mücklich
Metals 2025, 15(11), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15111172

“Enhancing Biomedical Metal 3D Printing with AI and Nanomaterials Integration”
by Jackie Liu, Jaison Jeevanandam and Michael K. Danquah
Metals 2025, 15(10), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101163

“Machine Learning in the Design and Performance Prediction of Organic Framework Membranes: Methodologies, Applications, and Industrial Prospects”
by Tong Wu, Jiawei Zhang, Qinghao Yan, Jingxiang Wang and Hao Yang
Membranes 2025, 15(6), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15060178

“Interpretable Machine Learning Prediction of Polyimide Dielectric Constants: A Feature-Engineered Approach with Experimental Validation”
by Xiaojie He, Jiachen Wan, Songyang Zhang, Chenggang Zhang, Peng Xiao, Feng Zheng and Qinghua Lu
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121622

“Integrating Machine Learning into Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Biomaterials: A Comprehensive Review”
by Shangyan Zhao, Yixuan Shi, Chengcong Huang, Xuan Li, Yuchen Lu, Yuzhi Wu, Yageng Li and Luning Wang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030077

“Influence of Processing Parameters on Additively Manufactured Architected Cellular Metals: Emphasis on Biomedical Applications”
by Yixuan Shi, Yuzhe Zheng, Chengcong Huang, Shangyan Zhao, Xuan Li, Yuchen Lu, Yuzhi Wu, Peipei Li, Luning Wang and Yageng Li
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020053

“Prediction of Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Particle-Reinforced Resin Composites”
by K. Rooney, Y. Dong, A. K. Basak and A. Pramanik
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100416

“Data-Driven Optimization of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) Coatings with Explainable Artificial Intelligence Insights”
by Patricia Fernández-López, Sofia A. Alves, Aleksey Rogov, Aleksey Yerokhin, Iban Quintana, Aitor Duo and Aitor Aguirre-Ortuzar
Coatings 2024, 14(8), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14080979

“Feature-Assisted Machine Learning for Predicting Band Gaps of Binary Semiconductors”
by Sitong Huo, Shuqing Zhang, Qilin Wu and Xinping Zhang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050445

“Silicon Solar Cells: Trends, Manufacturing Challenges, and AI Perspectives”
by Marisa Di Sabatino, Rania Hendawi and Alfredo Sanchez Garcia
Crystals 2024, 14(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14020167

“Synergizing Machine Learning Algorithm with Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Advanced Self-Powered Sensing Systems”
by Roujuan Li, Di Wei and Zhonglin Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020165

“Predicting the Performance of Functional Materials Composed of Polymeric Multicomponent Systems Using Artificial Intelligence—Formulations of Cleansing Foams as an Example”
by Masugu Hamaguchi, Hideki Miwake, Ryoichi Nakatake and Noriyoshi Arai
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4216; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214216

“Unleashing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Materials Design”
by Silvia Badini, Stefano Regondi and Raffaele Pugliese
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175927

“Determination of Particle Size Distributions of Bulk Samples Using Micro-Computed Tomography and Artificial Intelligence”
by Stefan Höving, Laura Neuendorf, Timo Betting and Norbert Kockmann
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031002

“Insight on Corrosion Prevention of C1018 in 1.0 M Hydrochloric Acid Using Liquid Smoke of Rice Husk Ash: Electrochemical, Surface Analysis, and Deep Learning Studies”
by Agus Paul Setiawan Kaban, Johny Wahyuadi Soedarsono, Wahyu Mayangsari, Mochammad Syaiful Anwar, Ahmad Maksum, Aga Ridhova and Rini Riastuti
Coatings 2023, 13(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13010136

“Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Polymer Processing” Guest Editors: Dr. Davide Masato, Dr. Saeed Farahani and Dr. Peng Gao Deadline for manuscript submissions: 26 February 2026	“Advances of Machine Learning in Nanoscale Materials Science” Guest Editor: Dr. Gang Tang Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 February 2026
“Machine Learning for Material and Process Optimization in Additive Manufacturing” Guest Editors: Dr. Haining Zhang, Dr. Joon Phil Choi and Dr. Xingchen Liu Deadline for manuscript submissions: 26 February 2026	“Smart Sensing and Artificial Intelligence in Metal Processing and Machining” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Simon Klančnik Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026
“Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Method Development for Complex Membrane Transport” Guest Editor: Dr. Christian Jorgensen Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2026	“Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Material Design, Discovery, and Optimization” Guest Editors: Dr. Craig Hamel and Dr. Devin J. Roach Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026

The articles below have been selected as the 2024 Issue Cover Articles by the Editorial Office of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701), covering multiple fields within the scope of the journal. We hope that they provide insights and references for scholars in these fields.

	1. “Deciphering Microstructures and Phases of Gas-Atomised Novel Al-Fe-Si-Cr-Ni Alloys” by Bhaskaranand Bhatt, Alessandra Martucci, Enrico Virgillito, Federico Gobber, Federica Bondioli, Diego Manfredi, Mariangela Lombardi and Paolo Fino Metals 2024, 14(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14010017 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/1/17 Cover story: This groundbreaking research investigated the effects of high cooling rates in the inert gas atomization (IGA) process on the amount of Fe, Cr, and Ni as alloying elements in Al-Si-based alloys. To emphasize the importance of sustainability in developing novel alloys, the widespread AlSi10Mg and AISI 304L were used as starting materials for IGA. The selected AlFe9Si8Cr2Ni and AlFe18Si8Cr5Ni2 compositions were extensively analyzed from compositional and microstructural points of view, focusing on the alloying element content and particle size. The results revealed unique microstructural features, distinct phases, increased melting temperatures than typical Al alloys, and promising potential for additive manufacturing.
	2. “A First-Time Investigation into Ecofriendly and Biocompatible Mg-Se Binary System for a Greener Earth” by Michael Johanes, Vasuudhaa Sonawane and Manoj Gupta Metals 2024, 14(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14020163 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/2/163 Cover story: In the 21st century and beyond, researchers must select materials that do not contaminate planet earth (especially water bodies, soil, and air) to make it a sustainable place to live. To ensure this, we have explored a new Mg-Se binary alloy targeting both engineering and biomedical applications. In the Mg-Se system, magnesium is a nutritional element and selenium has medicinal characteristics. Fundamental thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical characterizations revealed promising results paving the way for materials scientists to develop many more Mg-Se-based alloys (ternary and quaternary or even multicomponent alloys) for a wide spectrum of applications.
	3. “Microstructure Evolution and Numerical Modeling of TC4 Titanium Alloy during Ultrasonic Shot Peening Process” by Yuxuan Yi, Fei Yin, Jiajun Zhai and Yanxiong Liu Metals 2024, 14(3), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14030275 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/3/275 Cover story: A gradient nanostructured surface layer was successfully fabricated on the TC4 Titanium alloy via USP technology. The surface microhardness was elevated from 330 HV to 438 HV with a penetrating depth of around 900 μm after USP. EBSD characterization results confirmed the presence of high-density grain boundaries and dislocation density within the gradient structure within the region of 0–200 μm. TEM characterization indicated a substantial amount of nanograin with an average size of 74.58 nm. The surface strengthening effect was predicted. The calculated maximum residual stress reached 973 MPa after multi-ball impact. The impact behavior of the shots was studied.
	4. “The Integrated Preparation of Porous Tungsten Gradient Materials with a Wide Porosity Range” by Ke Zhu, Hao Jia, Jin Huang and Jian Zhang Metals 2024, 14(4), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040427 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/427 Cover story: Porous tungsten gradient materials with ordered gradient variations in pore size are valuable in the field of vacuum electronic devices. This work combines tape casting and dealloying methods to achieve the integrated preparation of porous tungsten gradient materials with a wide range of controllable porosity. This study focuses on the phase composition and microstructure evolution during the preparation of porous tungsten gradient materials. This work provides a design concept for the integrated preparation of porous metal gradient materials.
	5. “Influence of Various Processing Routes in Additive Manufacturing on Microstructure and Monotonic Properties of Pure Iron—A Review-like Study” by Christof J. J. Torrent, Seyed Vahid Sajadifar, Gregory Gerstein, Julia Richter and Thomas Niendorf Metals 2024, 14(5), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050557 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/5/557 Cover story: The properties of pure iron processed via hot rolling and electron and laser powder bed fusion, using different raw materials and process conditions, are compared. The manufacturing of the specimens led to five distinct microstructures, each with unique features and mechanical responses. Using optical, electron and transmission electron microscopy, the material was explored in various strain states, allowing for an in-depth examination of the material in the course of quasistatic loading. Grain size and substructures within the grains define the homogeneity of strain distribution and localization. Macro-to-micro insight is given to evaluate the behavior of characteristic microstructures.
	6. “Compositional Design and Thermal Processing of a Novel Lead-Free Cu–Zn–Al–Sn Medium Entropy Brass Alloy” by Spyridon Chaskis, Stavroula Maritsa, Paul Stavroulakis, Sofia Papadopoulou, Russell Goodall and Spyros Papaefthymiou Metals 2024, 14(6), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14060620 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/6/620 Cover story: The rapid development in the field of multicomponent and high-entropy alloys provides an appealing alternative to the challenging issue of lead encountered in commercial brass alloys. Engineering challenges arising in attempts to reduce lead could be successfully tackled by applying the high-entropy alloy (HEA) design concept to these otherwise conventional alloys, resulting in the creation of novel high-entropy brasses (HEBs). Our research deals with the compositional design and thermal processing of a novel lead-free Cu–Al–Zn–Sn medium-entropy brass alloy. This alloy has an elevated specific strength, surpassing many commercial brass alloys, while being entirely lead-free. Applying this approach to commercial alloys provides a feasible solution for modern engineering challenges.
	7. “Effect of Ag and Cu Content on the Properties of Zn-Ag-Cu-0.05Mg Alloys” by Gloria Jara-Chávez, Adrián Amaro-Villeda, Bernardo Campillo-Illanes, Marco Ramírez-Argaez and Carlos González-Rivera Metals 2024, 14(7), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14070740 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/7/740 Cover Story: Zn-Ag-Cu base alloys are reported to more than meet the mechanical property requirements for biomedical alloys by showing YS values > 300 MPa, UTS close to 400 MPa, and elongations between 18 and 26%. The joint effect of increasing amounts of the second phase (Ag, Cu)Zn4 and a micro-alloy with 0.05% Mg is explored as a measure to improve mechanical properties and meet the requirements for biomedical applications. The manufacture of a Zn-based heteromaterial is reported, whose microstructure and mechanical behavior achieve a synergy of strength and ductility that allows these alloys to achieve the properties required for biomedical applications.
	8. “Nodular Graphite Dissolution and Nucleus Observation: High-Temperature Dynamics of Ductile Iron Recycling” by I. Adhiwiguna, N. Nobakht and R. Deike Metals 2024, 14(8), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14080915 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/8/915 Cover story: A significant advancement in ductile cast iron research may have been achieved with the detailed description of the dissolution sequence of nodular graphite structures. This study introduces an alternative approach that enhances the observation of non-metallic inclusion cores within nodular graphite, offering substantial potential for improving material analysis and performance. This work marks a critical step forward in metallurgy, providing insights that could drive future innovations in cast iron technology.
	9. “The Interplay between Nucleation and the Rates of Chemical Reduction in the Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles in Microemulsions: A Computer Study” by Concha Tojo Metals 2024, 14(9), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14090987 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/9/987 Cover story: The interaction between nucleation and the rates of chemical reduction in Au/Ag, Au/Pt, and Au/Pd nanoparticles prepared in microemulsions were studied via simulations. The impact of nucleation on the final nanostructure depends on the critical nucleus size. At high critical nucleus sizes, nucleation is the main factor determining the final nanostructure, even with very large differences in reduction rates between metals. At small critical nucleus sizes, the difference in reduction rates determines the final nanostructure. The relevance of heteroatomic nucleation on the mechanism of nanoparticle formation depends on the difference between the reduction rates of the two metals selected.
	10. “Microstructure and Fatigue Behavior of PM-HIPed Ni-Based Superalloys and Martensitic Tool Steels: A Review” by Faezeh Javadzadeh Kalahroudi, Fengxiang Lin, Pavel Krakhmalev and Mikael Grehk Metals 2024, 14(10), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14101159 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/10/1159 Cover story: This review investigates the effects of powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP) on the microstructure and fatigue behavior of Ni-based superalloys and martensitic tool steels. The influences of several PM-HIP parameters, e.g., powder size distribution and oxygen content, on the properties of these high-performance materials are discussed. By focusing on grain size refinement, oxide and precipitate formation and distribution, and other microstructural features, this paper demonstrates how these factors influence mechanical properties and fatigue performance. In addition, it provides insights into fatigue crack initiation mechanisms. These findings could highlight the potential applications of PM-HIPed components.
	11. “Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing of SS316L with a Stochastic Scan Strategy: Microstructure, Texture Evolution, and Mechanical Properties” by K. N. Chaithanya Kumar, Shashank Sharma, Madhavan Radhakrishnan, Rohit Randhavan, Krishna Kamlesh Verma, Shelden Dowden, Zane Weldon Hughes, Rajarshi Banerjee and Narendra B. Dahotre Metals 2024, 14(11), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14111278 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/11/1278 Cover story: Structural and textural evolution in electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) is governed by the complex interplay of thermo-kinetic and thermo-mechanical phenomena during melting and solidification. This study from the Center for Agile and Adaptive Additive Manufacturing at the University of North Texas explores how stochastic spot melting (FreeMelt®) and preheat temperature affect the evolution of microstructure and texture of SS316L. A 3D thermo-kinetic/mechanical model revealed compressive stress-driven <110> texture formation, preferred {110}<001> and {110}<111> orientations influenced by solidification kinetics and spatial spot arrangement and triangular-shaped grains orthogonal to the build direction. This work provides fundamental insights for optimizing EB-PBF texture and microstructure.
	12. “Effect of Stable and Transient Cavitation on Ultrasonic Degassing of Al Alloy” by Youngki Lee, Jongmin Kim, Taekyu Ha, Byungil Kang and Youngjig Kim Metals 2024, 14(12), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14121372 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/12/1372 Cover story: This study provides a novel perspective on the ultrasonic degassing of the A356 alloy by elucidating the distinct roles of stable and transient cavitation. In the initial stages of degassing, the number of bubbles available to rapidly and effectively remove dissolved gases from the melts is critical. Transient cavitation promotes bubble collapses, increasing the generation of new tiny bubbles, which facilitates hydrogen diffusion and gas release. Consequently, this study identifies transient cavitation as the dominant factor in the initial degassing stage and clearly demonstrates that optimizing frequency to enhance transient cavitation is an effective approach to improving degassing efficiency.

MDPI is delighted to announce the establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award. Named in honor of Professor Michele Parrinello, the award celebrates his exceptional contributions and his profound impact on the field of computational physical science research.

The award will be presented biennially to distinguished scientists who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of computational physical science—spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

About Professor Michele Parrinello

"Do not be afraid of new things. I see it many times when we discuss a new thing that young people are scared to go against the mainstream a little bit, thinking what is going to happen to me and so on. Be confident that what you do is meaningful, and do not be afraid, do not listen too much to what other people have to say.”

——Professor Michele Parrinello

Born in Messina in 1945, he received his degree from the University of Bologna and is currently affiliated with the Italian Institute of Technology. Professor Parrinello is known for his many technical innovations in the field of atomistic simulations and for a wealth of interdisciplinary applications ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, also known as the Car–Parrinello method, marking the beginning of a new era both in the area of electronic structure calculations and in molecular dynamics simulations. He is also known for the Parrinello–Rahman method, which allows crystalline phase transitions to be studied by molecular dynamics. More recently, he has introduced metadynamics for the study of rare events and the calculation of free energies.

For his work, he has been awarded many prizes and honorary degrees. He is a member of numerous academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society, and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, which is the major academy in his home country of Italy.

Award Committee

The award committee will be chaired by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, a computational condensed matter physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at the Department of Physics, Fudan University. Professor Xin-Gao Gong will lead a panel of several senior experts in the field to oversee the evaluation and selection process. The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University (Shanghai, China), led by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, will serve as the supporting institute for the award.

"We hope the Michele Parrinello Award will recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit—this is precisely the original intention behind establishing the award."

——Professor Xin-Gao Gong

The first edition of the award was officially launched on 1 November 2025. Nominations will be accepted before the end of March 2026. For further details, please visit mparrinelloaward.org.

About the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and MDPI Awards

The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through scientific progress and global collaboration. The foundation also oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award. The establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award will further enrich the existing award portfolio, providing continued and diversified financial support to outstanding professionals across various fields. 

In addition to these foundation-level awards, MDPI journals also recognize outstanding contributions through a range of honors, including Best Paper Awards, Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Editor of Distinction Awards, and others. These initiatives aim to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages, contributing to the long-term vitality and sustainability of scientific research.

Find more information on awards here.