Special Issue "Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023"

A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystalline Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2023 | Viewed by 7564

Special Issue Editors

Department of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Mechanical Engineering Faculty, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Konarskiego, 18a, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: steel; alloys; mechanical properties; precipitates; microstructure; welded joints, creep; heat treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Politechnika Czestochowska, Czestochowa, Poland
Interests: steel/ cast steel; mechanical properties; microstructure; preciptates; heat treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institut Jean Lamour and Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
Interests: elaboration; microstructures and properties of superalloys and dental alloys (mechanical behavior, oxidation and corrosion)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The journal Crystals (ISSN: 2073-4352) is pleased to announce the launch of a Special Issue titled “Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023”.

The Crystalline Metals and Alloys section aims to publish high-quality theoretical and/or experimental studies related to crystalline metals, alloys, and intermetallics. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Solidification and crystallization;
  • Casting, welding, and additive manufacturing;
  • Thermomechanical processes and high deformations;
  • Recrystallization, grain growth, and textures;
  • Martensite, twins, and displacive phase transformations;
  • Order–disorder, precipitation, and diffusive phase transformations;
  • Classical alloys, such as Mg-, Al-, Ti-, Fe-, Ni-, Zr-, and Cu-based alloys;
  • Advanced alloys, such as TWIP and TRIP steels and Ti alloys;
  • Precious alloys, for example, those based on Au, Pt, or Pd;
  • Shape memory alloys (SMAs) and high-entropy alloys (HEAs);
  • Crystallization in bulk metallic glasses (BMG);
  •  Non-standard heat treatment

Characterization techniques, such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EBSD), calorimetry, dilatometry, mechanical tests, and in situ experiments.

Prof. Dr. Marek Sroka
Prof. Dr. Grzegorz Golański
Prof. Dr. Patrice Berthod
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 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. Crystals 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 2000 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

  • metals
  • alloys
  • solidification
  • grains
  • textures
  • dislocations
  • phase transformations
  • twinning
  • precipitation
  • martensite
  • X-ray diffraction
  • electron microscopy
  • casting
  • rolling
  • welding
  • additive manufacturing
  • heat treatment

Published Papers (9 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Article
Effect of Aging State on the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Al-7.0Zn-2.5Mg-2.0Cu-0.1Zr-0.2Sc Alloy
Crystals 2023, 13(4), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13040581 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 425
Abstract
Tensile experiments were conducted for Al-7.0Zn-2.5Mg-2.0Cu-0.1Zr-0.2Sc alloy in different aging states (18 h, 24 h, 36 h) with temperature environments including room temperature, −10 °C and −30 °C. Comparative studies were made on the evolution of the precipitate phase in alloys at three [...] Read more.
Tensile experiments were conducted for Al-7.0Zn-2.5Mg-2.0Cu-0.1Zr-0.2Sc alloy in different aging states (18 h, 24 h, 36 h) with temperature environments including room temperature, −10 °C and −30 °C. Comparative studies were made on the evolution of the precipitate phase in alloys at three kinds of aging times and the evolution of tensile properties in alloys under different ambient temperatures. The findings showed that the precipitates in Al-7.0Zn-2.5Mg-2.0Cu-0.1Zr-0.2Sc alloy were mainly in the GP zone after the solution + aging treatment η’ phase, the secondary Al3 (Sc, Zr) phase and the θ’ (Al2Cu) phase. As the aging time was prolonged, the η’ phase gradually grew and the PFZ gradually widened. At the three test temperatures, the tensile strength (TS) and yield strength (YS) of the alloys both showed a trend of first increasing before decreasing with the extension of aging time, while the elongation (A) and section shrinkage (Z) showed a decreasing trend. As the test temperature decreased, the TS and YS of the alloys increased and the A and Z of the alloys decreased. At room temperature, alloys showed a ductile fracture mode, which changed to mixed ductile and brittle fracture with decreasing test temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Communication
A Novel Approach to Grain Shape Factor in 3D Hexagonal Cellular Automaton
by and
Crystals 2023, 13(3), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13030544 - 22 Mar 2023
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Cellular automata (CA) modeling is a powerful and efficient tool for simulating the dynamic evolution of polycrystalline microstructures in modern materials and metallurgy studies, such as solidification, plastic deformation and recrystallization. We propose a novel model to calculate the shape factor of grains [...] Read more.
Cellular automata (CA) modeling is a powerful and efficient tool for simulating the dynamic evolution of polycrystalline microstructures in modern materials and metallurgy studies, such as solidification, plastic deformation and recrystallization. We propose a novel model to calculate the shape factor of grains in three-dimensional hexagonal grid (3D-HEX) CA, which overcomes the disadvantages of 3D-HEX CA, such as complex algorithms and a long computation time. The shape factor is a quantitative measure of grain morphology based on the ratio of the surface area of the grain to its volume-equivalent-sphere and volume-equivalent-chain. It indicates how the shape of a grain or phase affects its mechanical properties, such as stiffness, deformation and fracture. Our model can easily calculate the shape factor for any grain by counting its surface cells and volume cells. We test our model on 1000 grains with different shapes (equiaxed, irregular and chain-like) by Monte Carlo (MC) methods. MC methods evaluate the validity of a calculation model by comparing the simulated outcomes with the observed or expected outcomes. The results show that our model can accurately describe the grain morphology and has a good comparability and generality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Facile Synthesis of Al-20Si@Al2O3 Nanosheets Composite Powders and Its Refinement Performance on Primary Silicon in Al-20Si Alloy
Crystals 2023, 13(3), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13030514 - 17 Mar 2023
Viewed by 534
Abstract
In this work, Al(OH)3 nanosheets are synthesized in situ on the surface of an Al-20Si alloy via the water bath method, and Al–20Si@Al2O3 composites are then obtained after calcination. The growth mechanism of the Al(OH)3 nanosheets is revealed, [...] Read more.
In this work, Al(OH)3 nanosheets are synthesized in situ on the surface of an Al-20Si alloy via the water bath method, and Al–20Si@Al2O3 composites are then obtained after calcination. The growth mechanism of the Al(OH)3 nanosheets is revealed, and a pathway is demonstrated to obtain Al–20Si@Al2O3 nanosheets with the desired structure and thickness. Furthermore, the influence of different Al–20Si@Al2O3 contents on the primary silicon phase in the Al–20Si alloy is investigated, and the mechanism of such an influence is theoretically analyzed. The mechanical properties of the modified Al–20Si alloy are tested, and the effects of the morphology and particle size of the silicon phase on the alloy properties are studied. The results show that Al–20Si@Al2O3 synthesized in situ by water bath has good dispersion in the melt. There is a lot of γ-Al2O3 dispersed in the matrix of the alloy, and the primary silicon of the Al-20Si alloy is obviously refined. By increasing the content of the modifier, the average size of primary silicon decreases first and then increases. When 15 wt% of the modifier is added, the refinement effect of primary silicon reaches its peak, and the size of primary silicon is reduced from unmodified 86.4 μm to 28.5 μm. The hardness and tensile strength of 75.2 HB and 120.3 MPa are increased to 107.2 HB and 185.9 Mpa by 42% and 55%, respectively. Compared with adding γ-Al2O3 directly, this experiment provides a simple method to synthesize the modifier, and γ-Al2O3 can be dispersed evenly in the aluminium-silicon alloy melt more easily by in-situ generation, without ultrasonic treatment or other ways. During mass production, the cost can be better controlled and good results can be achieved at the same time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Experiments and Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Simulations of Texture Development during Cold Rolling in a Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al Alloy
Crystals 2023, 13(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13010137 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 832
Abstract
The effect of deformation on the evolution of crystallographic texture in a Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al (Ti-15333) alloy after unidirectional cold rolling was studied experimentally and numerically in the present investigation. An optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to study the microstructures, [...] Read more.
The effect of deformation on the evolution of crystallographic texture in a Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al (Ti-15333) alloy after unidirectional cold rolling was studied experimentally and numerically in the present investigation. An optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to study the microstructures, while the crystallographic texture after cold rolling was studied with X-ray diffraction. The rolling process (deformation) was simulated with PRISMS-plasticity, open-source crystal plasticity software. Micro-indentations were performed on the initial solution-annealed sample with an equiaxed grain structure. The experimentally obtained load–displacement curve for a particular grain (orientation-φ1, Φ, φ2 = 325.2°, 18.0°, 66.2° (Bunge notation)) was compared with the crystal plasticity finite element method (FEM)-simulated load–displacement curve to obtain the calibration parameters. The obtained parameters, along with the experimental stress–strain curve, were used to recalibrate the PRISMS-plasticity software for the rolling simulations of the Ti-15333 alloy. It was observed that the γ-(normal direction, ND//<111>) and α-(rolling direction, RD//<110>) fibers strengthened with cold rolling, experimentally as well as numerically. The simulated orientation distribution functions (ODFs) matched reasonably well with those obtained from the experiments. The average values of von Mises stress and von Mises strain increased with an increase in deformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Effect of Cu on the Corrosion Behavior of 304 Stainless Steel
Crystals 2023, 13(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13010031 - 24 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1108
Abstract
The effect of a Cu addition on the corrosion behavior of 304 austenitic stainless steel in a solution was elaborately investigated through salt spray tests, FeCl3 immersion tests and characterization analyses. The corrosion behavior was further analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron [...] Read more.
The effect of a Cu addition on the corrosion behavior of 304 austenitic stainless steel in a solution was elaborately investigated through salt spray tests, FeCl3 immersion tests and characterization analyses. The corrosion behavior was further analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. 304Cu showed a higher corrosion resistance than 304 after the salt spray tests in a 5 wt.% NaCl solution for 168 h; the beneficial effect of Cu was not obvious after exposure for 480 h. Penetrating (stripped morphology in 304 and fishbone morphology in 304Cu) and non-penetrating dish-shaped pits were both observed on 304 and 304Cu after immersion in a 6 wt.% FeCl3 solution for 72 h; the corrosion rates of 304Cu were much higher than 304. Cu and Cu2+ were the main existing forms in the as-received 304Cu and Cu+ formed with the corrosion in chloride solutions. The results indicated a good corrosion resistance of 304Cu in service. The use of steel in an aggressive environment for a long exposure time should be cautiously considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Elucidation of the Strong Effect of the Annealing and the Magnetic Field on the Magnetic Properties of Ni2-Based Heusler Microwires
Crystals 2022, 12(12), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12121755 - 04 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 716
Abstract
We study the effect of annealing and the applied magnetic field from 50 Oe to 20 kOe on the magneto-structural behavior of Ni2FeSi-based Heusler microwires fabricated by using Taylor-Ulitovsky technique. Using the XRD analysis, a strong effect of annealing, manifested as [...] Read more.
We study the effect of annealing and the applied magnetic field from 50 Oe to 20 kOe on the magneto-structural behavior of Ni2FeSi-based Heusler microwires fabricated by using Taylor-Ulitovsky technique. Using the XRD analysis, a strong effect of annealing, manifested as the development of the crystallization process, was observed. The average grain size and crystalline phase content of annealed sample increase from 21.3 nm and 34% to 32.8 nm and 79%, respectively, as-compared to the as-prepared one. In addition, upon annealing, phase transforms into a monoclinic martensitic structure with a modulation of 10 M, which cannot be found in the as-prepared sample. Concerning the magnetic properties, both samples show ferromagnetic behavior below and above the room temperature, where the Curie temperature of Ni2FeSi is higher than the room temperature. The induced secondary phases have a noticeable effect on the magnetic behavior of the annealed sample, where a high normalized saturation magnetization (NMs) and low normalized reduced remenance (Mr = M/M5K), compared to the as-prepared have been detected. Additionally, the coercivity of annealed sample shows one flipping point at 155 K where its behavior changes with temperature. Meanwhile, the as-prepared sample show two flipped point at 205 K and 55 K. A mismatch between field cooling (FC) and field heating (FH) magnetization curves with temperature has been detected for annealed sample at low applied magnetic field. The difference in magnetic and structure behavior of Ni2FeSi microwires sample is discussed considering the effect of induced internal stresses by the presence of a glass coating and the recrystallization and stresses relaxation upon annealing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Study of Initial β-Zr Formation in β-Quenched N36 Zirconium Alloy Using Dynamic and Metallographic Methods
Crystals 2022, 12(11), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12111535 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 686
Abstract
In this study, the initial temperature of the (α) to (α + β) phase transformation of β-quenched N36 zirconium alloy was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and metallographic techniques. Diagnosis and analysis of the difference between the two techniques were also conducted. [...] Read more.
In this study, the initial temperature of the (α) to (α + β) phase transformation of β-quenched N36 zirconium alloy was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and metallographic techniques. Diagnosis and analysis of the difference between the two techniques were also conducted. It was found that the phase transition temperature, obtained by metallographic techniques, lies in a temperature range of 710–715 °C. This value is lower than that recorded by DSC analysis. A peak separation successfully explained the dissolution of the second phase particles (SPP)s and α→β phase transformation using the DSC analysis. Compared with previous studies, the results of this study showed that β-quenched starting material is responsible for the delay of β-Zr formation during the heat treatment of the N36 zirconium alloy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Ambient Pressure Synthesis of Re-Substituted MnGe and Its Magnetic Properties
Crystals 2022, 12(9), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12091256 - 05 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1112
Abstract
Due to their non-centrosymmetric structure, B20-type compounds have intriguing properties of chiral magnets and are the objects of study of topological spin textures. Among them is a high-pressure phase MnGe, which demonstrates properties of magnetic skyrmions. We report on the synthesis of an [...] Read more.
Due to their non-centrosymmetric structure, B20-type compounds have intriguing properties of chiral magnets and are the objects of study of topological spin textures. Among them is a high-pressure phase MnGe, which demonstrates properties of magnetic skyrmions. We report on the synthesis of an Mn1−xRexGe solid solution with the B20 structure, which can be prepared without the application of high pressure. Mn1−xRexGe (x = 0.169(6)) shows unconventional magnetic behavior, where the Neel temperature is only slightly reduced compared to a chiral-lattice helimagnet MnGe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Article
Al-Si@Al(OH)3 Nanosheets Composite for Enhanced Efficient Strategy to Synthesize Al-Si@Al2O3 Core-Shell Structure
Crystals 2022, 12(8), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst12081137 - 12 Aug 2022
Viewed by 839
Abstract
Owing to the combined advantages of Al-Si alloy and Al2O3, Al-Si@Al2O3 is widely utilized as a heat storage material, catalyst carrier, and water adsorption host. Hence, the preparation of Al-Si@Al2O3 and corresponding precursors [...] Read more.
Owing to the combined advantages of Al-Si alloy and Al2O3, Al-Si@Al2O3 is widely utilized as a heat storage material, catalyst carrier, and water adsorption host. Hence, the preparation of Al-Si@Al2O3 and corresponding precursors is of utmost significance. Herein, an Al-Si@Al(OH)3 precursor is investigated, and Al(OH)3 nanosheets are in situ formed on the surface of Al1-xSix, where x = 0,10, 0,20, and 0,30 in the presence of water. The influence of the Si content, diameter of Al-Si particles, and heating parameters on the morphology and thickness of the Al(OH)3 nanosheets is systematically explored using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The growth mechanism of Al(OH)3 nanosheets is revealed, and a pathway to obtain Al-Si@Al2O3 nanosheets with the desired structure and thickness is demonstrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Crystalline Metals and Alloys in 2022-2023)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop