Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149850
Mazullah , Muhammad Ismail , Ke Zhang , Iqra Noreen , Hammad Ahmad , Elena Pereloma , Zhiping Xiong
This work addresses the challenge of achieving eutectoid lamellar microstructures (LMs) in multi-component alloys (MCAs) by investigating the evolution of microstructures and mechanical properties in Al10 (CoFeNi1.5)90 MCA. The results demonstrate that the FCC phase transforms into LMs when aged between 400 and 600 °C. The mechanical properties depend strongly on the lamellar FCC phase width in the LMs, which, in turn, depends on the aging temperature. Aging at 600 °C yields wide LMs (242 ± 150 nm) with lower strength (YS = 758 ± 18 MPa, UTS = 1219 ± 15 MPa) but higher ductility (UE = 17 ± 3 %), while aging at 450 °C yields thin LMs (45 ± 18 nm) with ultra-high strength (YS = 2091 ± 22 MPa, UTS = 2149 ± 16 MPa) but limited ductility (UE = 1.3 ± 0.2 %). The calculated yield strength of 1180 MPa, obtained from the linear summation method of grain boundaries (, 33 %), solid solution (, ⁓27 %), dislocations (, ⁓25 %), and precipitations (, ⁓15 %) contributions, shows excellent agreement with the experimental value of 1167 MPa.
{"title":"Mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of eutectoid Al10(CoFeNi1.5)90 multi-component alloy","authors":"Mazullah , Muhammad Ismail , Ke Zhang , Iqra Noreen , Hammad Ahmad , Elena Pereloma , Zhiping Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149850","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149850","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work addresses the challenge of achieving eutectoid lamellar microstructures (LMs) in multi-component alloys (MCAs) by investigating the evolution of microstructures and mechanical properties in Al<sub>10</sub> (CoFeNi<sub>1.5</sub>)<sub>90</sub> MCA. The results demonstrate that the FCC phase transforms into LMs when aged between 400 and 600 °C. The mechanical properties depend strongly on the lamellar FCC phase width in the LMs, which, in turn, depends on the aging temperature. Aging at 600 °C yields wide LMs (242 ± 150 nm) with lower strength (YS = 758 ± 18 MPa, UTS = 1219 ± 15 MPa) but higher ductility (UE = 17 ± 3 %), while aging at 450 °C yields thin LMs (45 ± 18 nm) with ultra-high strength (YS = 2091 ± 22 MPa, UTS = 2149 ± 16 MPa) but limited ductility (UE = 1.3 ± 0.2 %). The calculated yield strength of 1180 MPa, obtained from the linear summation method of grain boundaries (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>σ</mi><mrow><mi>G</mi><mi>B</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span>, 33 %), solid solution (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>σ</mi><mrow><mi>s</mi><mi>s</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></math></span>, ⁓27 %), dislocations (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>σ</mi><mi>D</mi></msub></mrow></math></span>, ⁓25 %), and precipitations (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>σ</mi><mi>P</mi></msub></mrow></math></span>, ⁓15 %) contributions, shows excellent agreement with the experimental value of 1167 MPa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"955 ","pages":"Article 149850"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149824
A. Stubbers , B.P. Rocky , C. Gilleland , R. Shrestha , C. San Marchi , R.P. Wilkerson , G.B. Thompson , C.R. Weinberger
While stainless steels are widely used for hydrogen storage infrastructure, they can still be vulnerable to hydrogen embrittlement justifying the need to further improve their hydrogen resiliency. Here, we investigate the potential for transition metal carbide additions to improve the hydrogen compatibility of austenitic stainless steels. ZrC nanoparticles were dispersed in contents of 0.01–10 wt% in 304 L stainless steel powder, mixed via high energy ball milling, and subsequently consolidated using direct current sintering. To assess hydrogen compatibility, the tensile properties of similarly processed 304 L without ZrC nanoparticles were compared to 304 L with the ZrC additions; both materials were evaluated prior to and after hydrogen exposure (non-charged and H-precharged, respectively). Depending upon the ZrC phase fraction, the yield strengths varied from ∼325 to 560 MPa in the non-charged condition and from ∼375 to 550 MPa in the H-precharged condition. Strain at failure varied from ∼5 to 90 % and from ∼5 to 35 % in the non-charged and hydrogen-precharged conditions, respectively. Results from stress-strain profiles demonstrate limited efficacy of ZrC as a method to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement entirely but does demonstrate the potency of ZrC inclusions as strengthening addition to 304 L alloys without a loss of ductility.
{"title":"Hydrogen embrittlement and mechanical response of 304L steel with ZrC additions","authors":"A. Stubbers , B.P. Rocky , C. Gilleland , R. Shrestha , C. San Marchi , R.P. Wilkerson , G.B. Thompson , C.R. Weinberger","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149824","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149824","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While stainless steels are widely used for hydrogen storage infrastructure, they can still be vulnerable to hydrogen embrittlement justifying the need to further improve their hydrogen resiliency. Here, we investigate the potential for transition metal carbide additions to improve the hydrogen compatibility of austenitic stainless steels. ZrC nanoparticles were dispersed in contents of 0.01–10 wt% in 304 L stainless steel powder, mixed via high energy ball milling, and subsequently consolidated using direct current sintering. To assess hydrogen compatibility, the tensile properties of similarly processed 304 L without ZrC nanoparticles were compared to 304 L with the ZrC additions; both materials were evaluated prior to and after hydrogen exposure (non-charged and H-precharged, respectively). Depending upon the ZrC phase fraction, the yield strengths varied from ∼325 to 560 MPa in the non-charged condition and from ∼375 to 550 MPa in the H-precharged condition. Strain at failure varied from ∼5 to 90 % and from ∼5 to 35 % in the non-charged and hydrogen-precharged conditions, respectively. Results from stress-strain profiles demonstrate limited efficacy of ZrC as a method to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement entirely but does demonstrate the potency of ZrC inclusions as strengthening addition to 304 L alloys without a loss of ductility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"955 ","pages":"Article 149824"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149839
Soung Yeoul Ahn , Eun Seong Kim , Sang Guk Jeong , Stefanus Harjo , Takuro Kawasaki , Wu Gong , Hyun-Joong Kim , Soon-Jik Hong , Sun Ig Hong , Hyeonseok Kwon , Jung Gi Kim , Hyoung Seop Kim
Additive manufacturing (AM) of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) offers opportunities not only for mechanical strengthening but also for tailoring matrix phase stability and deformation behavior. In this study, TiC (2 wt%) nanoparticles were incorporated into Fe60Co15Ni15Cr10 (at%) medium-entropy alloy (MEA) using directed energy deposition (DED) process. Despite the severe thermal conditions of the DED process, a substantial fraction of TiC remained, while partial decomposition released C and Ti elements into the matrix. This chemical modification stabilized the γ-austenite matrix phase and suppressed deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT), which is typically active in the Fe60Co15Ni15Cr10 MEA. Instead, the composite exhibited a transition toward slip-dominated deformation. Microstructural observation revealed that dispersed and semi-coherent TiC particles, together with solute partitioning from decomposed nanoparticles, altered grain boundary morphology and promoted distributed plastic flow. In-situ neutron diffraction accompanied with tensile test confirmed enhanced dislocation activity in the early stage of deformation, supporting the deformation mechanism shift from DIMT-assisted hardening to dislocation-mediated slip. These results highlight the critical role of nanoparticle-induced phase stability variation in governing deformation mechanisms, offering new insights into designing AM-processed MMCs beyond conventional strength-oriented strategies.
{"title":"TiC nanoparticles tune phase stability and deformation mechanisms in directed energy deposition processed Fe60Co15Ni15Cr10 medium-entropy alloy composites","authors":"Soung Yeoul Ahn , Eun Seong Kim , Sang Guk Jeong , Stefanus Harjo , Takuro Kawasaki , Wu Gong , Hyun-Joong Kim , Soon-Jik Hong , Sun Ig Hong , Hyeonseok Kwon , Jung Gi Kim , Hyoung Seop Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149839","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149839","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Additive manufacturing (AM) of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) offers opportunities not only for mechanical strengthening but also for tailoring matrix phase stability and deformation behavior. In this study, TiC (2 wt%) nanoparticles were incorporated into Fe<sub>60</sub>Co<sub>15</sub>Ni<sub>15</sub>Cr<sub>10</sub> (at%) medium-entropy alloy (MEA) using directed energy deposition (DED) process. Despite the severe thermal conditions of the DED process, a substantial fraction of TiC remained, while partial decomposition released C and Ti elements into the matrix. This chemical modification stabilized the γ-austenite matrix phase and suppressed deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT), which is typically active in the Fe<sub>60</sub>Co<sub>15</sub>Ni<sub>15</sub>Cr<sub>10</sub> MEA. Instead, the composite exhibited a transition toward slip-dominated deformation. Microstructural observation revealed that dispersed and semi-coherent TiC particles, together with solute partitioning from decomposed nanoparticles, altered grain boundary morphology and promoted distributed plastic flow. <em>In-situ</em> neutron diffraction accompanied with tensile test confirmed enhanced dislocation activity in the early stage of deformation, supporting the deformation mechanism shift from DIMT-assisted hardening to dislocation-mediated slip. These results highlight the critical role of nanoparticle-induced phase stability variation in governing deformation mechanisms, offering new insights into designing AM-processed MMCs beyond conventional strength-oriented strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"955 ","pages":"Article 149839"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149828
S. Manojkumar, Yogesh Singh, K.K. Mehta
Squeeze-cast Al–Cu–Li alloys, SC1 (Cu/Li ≈ 2, Li ≈ 1.28 wt%) and SC2 (Cu/Li ≈ 4, Li ≈ 0.53 wt%), studied in three heat-treatment conditions: H1 (single-step solution → quenching → double-aging), H2 (double-step solution → quenching → double aging), and H3 (double-step solution → quenching → single aging). Cold rolling of SC1 developed pronounced crystallographic textures, strongly influenced by the Cu/Li ratio and Li-content. Nearly double the Li in SC1 led to a fourfold increase in texture intensity compared to SC2, mainly from strong Copper component. Heat treatment markedly influenced the strength–ductility trade-off. In SC1, the H1 condition achieved nearly twice the strength of H3 but incurred a twofold reduction in ductility, attributed to a higher fraction of T1 (Al2CuLi) precipitates formed during double aging. SC2 displayed superior ductility but limited strength, particularly under H3 treatment. Mechanical performance was governed by the combined effects of solution treatment, controlling grain size and texture, and aging treatment, regulating precipitation. The superior strength of SC1 in H1 condition arose from the synergistic effect of refined grains with strong Cube texture and enhanced T1 precipitation. Conversely, low Li content in SC2 restricted T1 precipitation, limiting strengthening. H3 triggers dislocation looping and serrations in stress–strain curves via T2 (Al6CuLi3) precipitates, while H1 (SC1) suppresses serrations by depleting Cu and Li through high T1 precipitation. Constitutive modeling using the Voce's-relationship and KM-model showed excellent agreement with experiments, providing a robust framework for optimizing heat-treatment routes for Al–Cu–Li alloys.
{"title":"Influence of single- and double-step solution and aging treatments on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of cold-rolled Al–Cu–Li alloy sheets (Cu/Li ratios 2 and 4) produced via squeeze casting","authors":"S. Manojkumar, Yogesh Singh, K.K. Mehta","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149828","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149828","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Squeeze-cast Al–Cu–Li alloys, SC1 (Cu/Li ≈ 2, Li ≈ 1.28 wt%) and SC2 (Cu/Li ≈ 4, Li ≈ 0.53 wt%), studied in three heat-treatment conditions: H1 (single-step solution → quenching → double-aging), H2 (double-step solution → quenching → double aging), and H3 (double-step solution → quenching → single aging). Cold rolling of SC1 developed pronounced crystallographic textures, strongly influenced by the Cu/Li ratio and Li-content. Nearly double the Li in SC1 led to a fourfold increase in texture intensity compared to SC2, mainly from strong Copper <span><math><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mrow><mo>{</mo><mn>112</mn><mo>}</mo></mrow><mspace></mspace><mrow><mo>⟨</mo><mn>111</mn><mo>⟩</mo></mrow></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span> component. Heat treatment markedly influenced the strength–ductility trade-off. In SC1, the H1 condition achieved nearly twice the strength of H3 but incurred a twofold reduction in ductility, attributed to a higher fraction of T1 (Al<sub>2</sub>CuLi) precipitates formed during double aging. SC2 displayed superior ductility but limited strength, particularly under H3 treatment. Mechanical performance was governed by the combined effects of solution treatment, controlling grain size and texture, and aging treatment, regulating precipitation. The superior strength of SC1 in H1 condition arose from the synergistic effect of refined grains with strong Cube texture and enhanced T1 precipitation. Conversely, low Li content in SC2 restricted T1 precipitation, limiting strengthening. H3 triggers dislocation looping and serrations in stress–strain curves via T2 (Al<sub>6</sub>CuLi<sub>3</sub>) precipitates, while H1 (SC1) suppresses serrations by depleting Cu and Li through high T1 precipitation. Constitutive modeling using the Voce's-relationship and KM-model showed excellent agreement with experiments, providing a robust framework for optimizing heat-treatment routes for Al–Cu–Li alloys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"955 ","pages":"Article 149828"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149820
Shenshen Cui , Qiang Lu , Dezhi Li , Haiyan Jiang , Qudong Wang , Huisheng Cai
In this investigation, the effects of Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 0, 4, 8, 12 wt%) refiners on the grain size, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy under different cooling rates were investigated. The results showed that, within the cooling rate range of 9.5–33.6 °C/s, the Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 8, 12) refiners exhibit superior refinement effects on the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS), the width of the Mg32(AlCuZn)49 phase, and the size of the Al3Fe phase in the Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy compared with the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, and the Al-5Ti-1B-4Ce refiner exhibits the strongest grain-refining effect. Moreover, as the cooling rate increases, the grain size, SDAS, the width of the Mg32(AlCuZn)49 phase, and the size of the Al3Fe phase are refined, while in the aged condition, the precipitation-free zone (PFZ) width and the size of precipitates is reduced. Compared with the alloy refined by the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, the alloys refined by Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 8, 12) exhibit a reduced sensitivity of grain size to cooling rate; therefore, as the cooling rate increases, the extent of grain size reduction in the alloys refined by Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 8, 12) becomes smaller. The precipitate diameter shows a unimodal distribution when the alloy is refined by the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, while a bimodal distribution is observed after refinement by the Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 12) refiners. Compared with the alloy refined by the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, the aged Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy refined by the Al-5Ti-1B-4Ce and Al-5Ti-1B-8Ce refiners exhibit higher strength and elongation. For alloys refined by the same refiner, the strength and elongation of the aged Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy increase with increasing cooling rate.
{"title":"Effects of Al-5Ti-1B-xCe refiners on microstructure and tensile properties of Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy at different cooling rates","authors":"Shenshen Cui , Qiang Lu , Dezhi Li , Haiyan Jiang , Qudong Wang , Huisheng Cai","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this investigation, the effects of Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 0, 4, 8, 12 wt%) refiners on the grain size, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy under different cooling rates were investigated. The results showed that, within the cooling rate range of 9.5–33.6 °C/s, the Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 8, 12) refiners exhibit superior refinement effects on the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS), the width of the Mg<sub>32</sub>(AlCuZn)<sub>49</sub> phase, and the size of the Al<sub>3</sub>Fe phase in the Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy compared with the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, and the Al-5Ti-1B-4Ce refiner exhibits the strongest grain-refining effect. Moreover, as the cooling rate increases, the grain size, SDAS, the width of the Mg<sub>32</sub>(AlCuZn)<sub>49</sub> phase, and the size of the Al<sub>3</sub>Fe phase are refined, while in the aged condition, the precipitation-free zone (PFZ) width and the size of precipitates is reduced. Compared with the alloy refined by the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, the alloys refined by Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 8, 12) exhibit a reduced sensitivity of grain size to cooling rate; therefore, as the cooling rate increases, the extent of grain size reduction in the alloys refined by Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 8, 12) becomes smaller. The precipitate diameter shows a unimodal distribution when the alloy is refined by the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, while a bimodal distribution is observed after refinement by the Al-5Ti-1B-xCe (x = 4, 12) refiners. Compared with the alloy refined by the Al-5Ti-1B refiner, the aged Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy refined by the Al-5Ti-1B-4Ce and Al-5Ti-1B-8Ce refiners exhibit higher strength and elongation. For alloys refined by the same refiner, the strength and elongation of the aged Al-5.0Mg-3.0Zn-1.0Cu alloy increase with increasing cooling rate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"954 ","pages":"Article 149820"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A high-strength hull structural (HSHS) steel was developed based on a low-carbon high-nickel design concept. To evaluate its mechanical properties and weldability, the microstructures and mechanical performance of both the base metal and its heat-affected zones (HAZs)—including the coarse-grained HAZ, fine-grained HAZ, unaltered coarse-grained HAZ, and supercritically reheated coarse-grained HAZ—were systematically investigated under heat inputs of 20 and 50 kJ/cm. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the HSHS steel and its HAZs were further elucidated. The results demonstrate that the developed HSHS steel exhibits excellent comprehensive mechanical properties, while its HAZs maintain sufficiently high strength and overall satisfactory toughness at 223 K (−50 °C). The high strength of the developed HSHS steel is primarily attributed to the second phase precipitation and the formation of a tempered bainite-dominated microstructure. In the HAZs, the designed Nb content and the development of a lath-based microstructure are identified as key factors ensuring high strength. The low-temperature toughness of both the base metal and HAZs is predominantly governed by the high Ni content and refined M-A constituents, with secondary contributions from finer effective grain size and microstructural characteristics. Depending on specific conditions, these factors lead to variations in Charpy impact energy. Notably, a comparative analysis with documented data reveals that the mechanical properties of the HAZs in the developed HSHS steel are comparable to those of HSLA-100 steels. Collectively, these findings confirm that the developed HSHS steel possesses good weldability.
{"title":"Strengthening and toughening of developed high-strength hull structural steel and its heat-affected zones","authors":"Deng-Bang Gao , Xuan-Wei Lei , Hai-Tao Jian , Chun-Long Jiang , Zhi Cheng , Ji-Hua Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A high-strength hull structural (HSHS) steel was developed based on a low-carbon high-nickel design concept. To evaluate its mechanical properties and weldability, the microstructures and mechanical performance of both the base metal and its heat-affected zones (HAZs)—including the coarse-grained HAZ, fine-grained HAZ, unaltered coarse-grained HAZ, and supercritically reheated coarse-grained HAZ—were systematically investigated under heat inputs of 20 and 50 kJ/cm. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the HSHS steel and its HAZs were further elucidated. The results demonstrate that the developed HSHS steel exhibits excellent comprehensive mechanical properties, while its HAZs maintain sufficiently high strength and overall satisfactory toughness at 223 K (−50 °C). The high strength of the developed HSHS steel is primarily attributed to the second phase precipitation and the formation of a tempered bainite-dominated microstructure. In the HAZs, the designed Nb content and the development of a lath-based microstructure are identified as key factors ensuring high strength. The low-temperature toughness of both the base metal and HAZs is predominantly governed by the high Ni content and refined M-A constituents, with secondary contributions from finer effective grain size and microstructural characteristics. Depending on specific conditions, these factors lead to variations in Charpy impact energy. Notably, a comparative analysis with documented data reveals that the mechanical properties of the HAZs in the developed HSHS steel are comparable to those of HSLA-100 steels. Collectively, these findings confirm that the developed HSHS steel possesses good weldability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"954 ","pages":"Article 149793"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149817
Dong Seong Hong , Sung Hwan Hong , Yu Jin Lee , Ga Eun Jo , Dilshodbek Yusupov , Muhammad Aoun Abbas , Gyeol Chan Kang , Hae Jin Park , Jürgen Eckert , Kiran P. Shinde , Ki Buem Kim
Eutectic high entropy alloys (EHEAs) based on the AlTiVCr system offer a promising combination of high strength and ductility, making them attractive for advanced structural applications. In the present work, a simple and effective strategy of varying two constituent elements Al and Ti was proposed to design EHEA. AlxTi80-xV15Cr5 (x = 35, 40, 45 at.%) alloy compositions were prepared by arc suction casting. The Al35Ti45V15Cr5 alloy exhibited a single B2 phase structure. With increasing Al content, the microstructure of Al40Ti40V15Cr5 evolved to a dual-phase structure composed of a high amount of B2 matrix with locally distributed HCP phase, and the Al45Ti35V15Cr5 alloy formed as a eutectic structure consisting of B2 and HCP phases. The Al45Ti35V15Cr5 EHEA composition demonstrates a high yield strength of 1864 MPa and excellent compressive ductility of 14.3 %, attributed to the suppression of shear band propagation at the phase boundaries, and it exhibited a low density of 3.97 g/cm3, leading to a superior specific strength of 469.22 MPa cm3/g. The stable intermetallic-based eutectic microstructures were achieved by tuning the composition in accordance with the strong negative mixing enthalpy between Al and Ti. The formation of a eutectic dual-phase microstructure consisting of B2 and HCP phases significantly enhances the mechanical performance. These findings give a new pathway for designing lightweight, high-performance eutectic high entropy alloys.
{"title":"Synergistic strength and ductility enhancement of lightweight AlTiVCr eutectic high entropy alloys with controlled Al/Ti atomic ratios","authors":"Dong Seong Hong , Sung Hwan Hong , Yu Jin Lee , Ga Eun Jo , Dilshodbek Yusupov , Muhammad Aoun Abbas , Gyeol Chan Kang , Hae Jin Park , Jürgen Eckert , Kiran P. Shinde , Ki Buem Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Eutectic high entropy alloys (EHEAs) based on the AlTiVCr system offer a promising combination of high strength and ductility, making them attractive for advanced structural applications. In the present work, a simple and effective strategy of varying two constituent elements Al and Ti was proposed to design EHEA. Al<sub>x</sub>Ti<sub>80-x</sub>V<sub>15</sub>Cr<sub>5</sub> (x = 35, 40, 45 at.%) alloy compositions were prepared by arc suction casting. The Al<sub>35</sub>Ti<sub>45</sub>V<sub>15</sub>Cr<sub>5</sub> alloy exhibited a single B2 phase structure. With increasing Al content, the microstructure of Al<sub>40</sub>Ti<sub>40</sub>V<sub>15</sub>Cr<sub>5</sub> evolved to a dual-phase structure composed of a high amount of B2 matrix with locally distributed HCP phase, and the Al<sub>45</sub>Ti<sub>35</sub>V<sub>15</sub>Cr<sub>5</sub> alloy formed as a eutectic structure consisting of B2 and HCP phases. The Al<sub>45</sub>Ti<sub>35</sub>V<sub>15</sub>Cr<sub>5</sub> EHEA composition demonstrates a high yield strength of 1864 MPa and excellent compressive ductility of 14.3 %, attributed to the suppression of shear band propagation at the phase boundaries, and it exhibited a low density of 3.97 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, leading to a superior specific strength of 469.22 MPa cm<sup>3</sup>/g. The stable intermetallic-based eutectic microstructures were achieved by tuning the composition in accordance with the strong negative mixing enthalpy between Al and Ti. The formation of a eutectic dual-phase microstructure consisting of B2 and HCP phases significantly enhances the mechanical performance. These findings give a new pathway for designing lightweight, high-performance eutectic high entropy alloys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"954 ","pages":"Article 149817"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149806
Irfan Ali Abro , Lin Yang , Qunbo Fan , Kamal Mustafa
Metastable β-Ti alloys are known for their high strain hardening rates and excellent plasticity through the combined effects of transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) and twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) effects, yet their relatively low yield strength restrict structural applications. Improving yield strength without sacrificing ductility is thus a key challenge in these alloys. To address this long-standing strength-plasticity dilemma, we designed a novel metastable β-Ti alloy, Ti-5Mo-3Cr-1Zr (Ti-531), guided by d-electron theory, average electron-to-atom ratio and atomic radius difference criteria. By engineering nanoscale phase precipitations, a strategy is demonstrated to concurrently strengthen the yield response and preserve high ductility in the Ti-531 alloy. The results show that these particles substantially strengthen the alloy and activate a synergistic deformation-induced strengthening mechanism. This mechanism involves a sandwich-type composite twin/stress-induced structures, interactions between twin/SIM (α”), and development of dislocation channels largely devoid of phase synergistically accommodate localized strain. These dislocation channels facilitate to accelerate dislocation accumulation, promote forest hardening and suppress the impeding effect of phase. As a result, the alloy aged at 423 K (A423) outperforms the hot-rolled solution-treated alloy (R1123) in yield strength (∼642 MPa, ∼28 % higher) with merely a slight (∼1.1 %) reduction in elongation, thus combining high strength with largely preserved ductility. This work introduces instability-control paradigm that harmonizes twin/ /SIM-assisted deformation and dislocation channels strengthening to engineer high performance metastable β-Ti alloys.
{"title":"Engineered ωiso phase enable deformation-induced mechanisms strength and plasticity synergy in a novel Ti-531 metastable β titanium alloy","authors":"Irfan Ali Abro , Lin Yang , Qunbo Fan , Kamal Mustafa","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149806","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149806","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metastable β-Ti alloys are known for their high strain hardening rates and excellent plasticity through the combined effects of transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) and twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) effects, yet their relatively low yield strength restrict structural applications. Improving yield strength without sacrificing ductility is thus a key challenge in these alloys. To address this long-standing strength-plasticity dilemma, we designed a novel metastable β-Ti alloy, Ti-5Mo-3Cr-1Zr (Ti-531), guided by d-electron theory, average electron-to-atom ratio <span><math><mrow><mo>(</mo><mover><mrow><mi>e</mi><mo>/</mo><mi>a</mi></mrow><mo>‾</mo></mover><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span> and atomic radius difference <span><math><mrow><mo>(</mo><mover><mrow><mo>Δ</mo><mi>r</mi></mrow><mo>‾</mo></mover><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span> criteria. By engineering nanoscale <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>ω</mi><mtext>iso</mtext></msub></mrow></math></span> phase precipitations, a strategy is demonstrated to concurrently strengthen the yield response and preserve high ductility in the Ti-531 alloy. The results show that these <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>ω</mi><mtext>iso</mtext></msub></mrow></math></span> particles substantially strengthen the alloy and activate a synergistic deformation-induced strengthening mechanism. This mechanism involves a sandwich-type composite twin/stress-induced <span><math><mrow><mi>ω</mi></mrow></math></span> <span><math><mrow><mo>(</mo><msub><mtext>SI</mtext><mi>ω</mi></msub><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span> structures, interactions between twin/SIM (α”), and development of dislocation channels largely devoid of <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>ω</mi><mtext>iso</mtext></msub></mrow></math></span> phase synergistically accommodate localized strain. These dislocation channels facilitate to accelerate dislocation accumulation, promote forest hardening and suppress the impeding effect of <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>ω</mi><mtext>iso</mtext></msub></mrow></math></span> phase. As a result, the alloy aged at 423 K (A423) outperforms the hot-rolled solution-treated alloy (R1123) in yield strength (∼642 MPa, ∼28 % higher) with merely a slight (∼1.1 %) reduction in elongation, thus combining high strength with largely preserved ductility. This work introduces instability-control paradigm that harmonizes twin/ <span><math><mrow><msub><mtext>SI</mtext><mi>ω</mi></msub></mrow></math></span>/SIM-assisted deformation and dislocation channels strengthening to engineer high performance metastable β-Ti alloys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"954 ","pages":"Article 149806"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149795
Rongzhi Li , Peter K. Liaw , Jianzhong Jiang , Lin Deng , Yong Zhang
Environmental concerns from conventional refrigerants highlight the urgent need for solid-state cooling materials that combine structural robustness with strong magnetocaloric performance. Here, we design a dual-phase Ni50Mn32Sn10Fe8 Heusler alloy using Fe alloying in conjunction with optimized laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and homogenization annealing. The resulting ultrafine eutectic structure (∼650 nm lamellar spacing) with semi-coherent Kurdjumov–Sachs interfaces effectively integrates mechanical strength and functional performance. The alloy exhibits high compressive strength (1692.8 MPa), good ductility (10.5 %), and a stable modulus (∼113 GPa) with ∼1.4 % recoverable superelastic strain after 50 cycles. Functionally, it achieves a magnetic entropy change of 10.04 J kg−1 K−1 and a refrigerant capacity of 184 J/kg under a 5 T magnetic field. This work establishes a composition–processing design strategy for multifunctional magnetocaloric materials, providing a pathway toward robust, high-performance alloys for solid-state cooling, flexible actuators, and biomedical devices.
{"title":"Design strategy for enhancing mechanical properties and magnetocaloric effect of eutectic Ni-Mn-Sn-Fe alloy via laser powder bed fusion","authors":"Rongzhi Li , Peter K. Liaw , Jianzhong Jiang , Lin Deng , Yong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149795","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149795","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental concerns from conventional refrigerants highlight the urgent need for solid-state cooling materials that combine structural robustness with strong magnetocaloric performance. Here, we design a dual-phase Ni<sub>50</sub>Mn<sub>32</sub>Sn<sub>10</sub>Fe<sub>8</sub> Heusler alloy using Fe alloying in conjunction with optimized laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and homogenization annealing. The resulting ultrafine eutectic structure (∼650 nm lamellar spacing) with semi-coherent Kurdjumov–Sachs interfaces effectively integrates mechanical strength and functional performance. The alloy exhibits high compressive strength (1692.8 MPa), good ductility (10.5 %), and a stable modulus (∼113 GPa) with ∼1.4 % recoverable superelastic strain after 50 cycles. Functionally, it achieves a magnetic entropy change of 10.04 J kg<sup>−1</sup> K<sup>−1</sup> and a refrigerant capacity of 184 J/kg under a 5 T magnetic field. This work establishes a composition–processing design strategy for multifunctional magnetocaloric materials, providing a pathway toward robust, high-performance alloys for solid-state cooling, flexible actuators, and biomedical devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"954 ","pages":"Article 149795"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2026.149800
Xiaohong Zhan , Jinsheng Ji , Chaoqi Qi , Xiong Zhang , Deliang Lei , Jianfeng Wang
Laser additive manufacturing technology holds great potential for repairing titanium alloys. In this study, coaxial laser wire-based directed energy deposition (CLW-DED) using TC4 alloy was first applied to repair forged Ti80 alloy, with a focus on investigating the regional microstructural variations and synergistic deformation behavior of the repaired specimens. Additionally, the strengthening effects of dual annealing treatments were explored. The results revealed that the microstructure of the repaired specimens transitioned from fine α′ martensite in the repaired zone to the equiaxed α phase in the substrate. Heat treatment induced martensite decomposition and facilitated element diffusion, contributing to the stabilization of the microstructure. The repaired sample demonstrated superior strength to the substrate material with substantially reduced plasticity. The mismatch in strength and ductility was primarily attributed to strain concentration and differences in strain hardening rates at the interface between the repaired layer and the substrate. Dislocation slip served as the primary deformation mechanism, while twinning was activated as a secondary deformation mechanism in the repaired layer. Heat treatment enhanced the tensile strength of the specimens to ∼982 MPa and improved ductility to ∼5.2 % by reducing dislocation density and promoting dislocation slip. This study confirms the feasibility of CLW-DED for titanium alloy repair and provides theoretical insights into the mechanical performance of the heterostructured metallic components.
{"title":"Heterogeneous deformation and strengthening mechanism in TC4 coaxial laser wire-based directed energy deposition for repairing Ti80","authors":"Xiaohong Zhan , Jinsheng Ji , Chaoqi Qi , Xiong Zhang , Deliang Lei , Jianfeng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.msea.2026.149800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Laser additive manufacturing technology holds great potential for repairing titanium alloys. In this study, coaxial laser wire-based directed energy deposition (CLW-DED) using TC4 alloy was first applied to repair forged Ti80 alloy, with a focus on investigating the regional microstructural variations and synergistic deformation behavior of the repaired specimens. Additionally, the strengthening effects of dual annealing treatments were explored. The results revealed that the microstructure of the repaired specimens transitioned from fine α′ martensite in the repaired zone to the equiaxed α phase in the substrate. Heat treatment induced martensite decomposition and facilitated element diffusion, contributing to the stabilization of the microstructure. The repaired sample demonstrated superior strength to the substrate material with substantially reduced plasticity. The mismatch in strength and ductility was primarily attributed to strain concentration and differences in strain hardening rates at the interface between the repaired layer and the substrate. Dislocation slip served as the primary deformation mechanism, while twinning was activated as a secondary deformation mechanism in the repaired layer. Heat treatment enhanced the tensile strength of the specimens to ∼982 MPa and improved ductility to ∼5.2 % by reducing dislocation density and promoting dislocation slip. This study confirms the feasibility of CLW-DED for titanium alloy repair and provides theoretical insights into the mechanical performance of the heterostructured metallic components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":385,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: A","volume":"953 ","pages":"Article 149800"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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