Materials science alloys

The sequence just outlined provides a salutary lesson in the nature of explanation in materials science. At first the process was a pure mystery. Then the relationship to the shape of the solid-solubility curve was uncovered that was a partial explanation. Next it was found that the microstructural process that leads to age-hardening involves a succession of intermediate phases, none of them in equilibrium (a very common situation in materials science as we now know). An understanding of how these intermediate phases interact with dislocations was a further stage in explanation. Then came an nnderstanding of the shape of the GP zones (planar in some alloys, globniar in others). Next, the kinetics of the hardening needed to be... 

Greer, A.L. and Somekh, R.E. (1991) Metallic multilayers, in Proce.ssing of Metals and Alloys, ed. Cahn, R.W. Materials Science and Technology A Comprehensive Treatment, vol. 15 (VCH, Weinheim) p. 329. 

An example of a journal hovering between broad and narrow spectrum is Journal of Alloys and Compounds, subtitled an interdiciplinary journal of materials science and solid-state chemistry and physics. One which is more restrictively focused is Journal of Nuclear Materials (which I edited for its first 25 years). Ceramics has a range of journals, of which the most substantial is Journal of the American Ceramic Society. Ceramics International is an example of an international journal in the field, while Journal of the European Ceramic Society is a rather unusual instance of a periodical with a continental remit. More specialised journals include Solid State Ionics Diffusion and Reactions, and a new Journal of Electroceramics, started in 1997. 

K. Higashi, "Deformation Mechanisms of Positive Exponent Superplasticity in Advanced Aluminum Alloys with Nano or Near-Nano Scale Grained Structures," in Materials Science Forum Vols. 170-172, pp. 131-140, T.G. Langdon ed., Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland, (1994). 

Duquette, D. J., Fundamentals of corrosion fatigue behaviour of metals and alloys , in Proc. Conf. Hydrogen Embrittlement and Stress Corrosion Cracking, Cleveland, Ohio, 1-3 June 1980, Case Western Reserve University Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science, pp. 249-70 (1980)... 

C. Suryanarayana, Materials Science and Technology (VCH-Verlag Weinheim) 15 (Processing of Metals and Alloys) 57-110 (1991). 

One important use of X-ray probes is in the study of local order and displacements, but this is not within the scope of the present book. The recent availability in intense synchrotron sources with selectable X-ray energies permits high-precision measurements of chemically specific atomic-pair correlations in solid solution alloys. A recent review of the technique is given by G.E. Ice and C.J. Sparks (Modern Resonant X-ray studies of alloys local order and displacement) in Annual Reviews of Materials Science 1999, 29, 25-52. 

Materials science goes back to prehistoric times, where people started to utilize rocks, bones, leather, and other materials they found in nature to fabricate tools and clothing. Later, the knowledge evolved and metals, alloys, ceramics, and fabrics replaced the older materials with inferior properties. In recent times, the knowledge of materials and processing improved further and more advanced materials for more sophisticated (or fashionable) applications have become available. The synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials of specific composition and size is a burgeoning area of materials science research. 

Huggins RA., Materials Science Principles Related to Alloys of Potential Use in Rechargeable Lithium Cells. J. Power Sources 1989 26 109-20. 

The physical characteristics of metals that permit them to function as versatile materials for fabricating many items are their ductility, malleability, and strength. Although strength probably needs no explanation, the first two of these characteristics are related to the ability of the metal to be fabricated into a desired shape. Metals vary widely in these characteristics, and a metal or alloy that is well suited to one use may be entirely unsatisfactory for another. Addressing this branch of applied science is beyond the scope of this book, but a book on materials science provides a great deal of information that is relevant for students in inorganic chemistry. 

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