Best of Advanced Engineering Materials 2024

This Best of Advanced Engineering Materials 2024 collection contains articles selected by the editors to represent the most outstanding articles published throughout the past year.

Advanced Engineering Materials focuses on all latest breakthroughs in engineering materials. The journal covers a variety of key topics, such as composites, ceramics, intermetallics, coatings, and also high-temperature, cellular, and biomedical materials, as well as innovative manufacturing techniques.

We hope that you will enjoy reading our selection of articles and we look forward to also seeing your best work in Advanced Engineering Materials!


Review
Open access

Limitations of Hydrogen Detection After 150 Years of Research on Hydrogen Embrittlement

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Limitations of Hydrogen Detection After 150 Years of Research on Hydrogen Embrittlement Issue 19, 2024

This article reviews the phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement in metallurgy, tracing its historical origins and examining experimental limitations in detecting hydrogen at nanoatomic scales. It evaluates theoretical models and proposes that further development of experimental science is needed to either validate or disprove current HE theories.

Review
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Recent Progress in Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

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Recent Progress in Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries Issue 8, 2024

The review gives an overview of the structure and sodium storage mechanism of hard carbon and further summarizes recent progress on strategies to effectively improve the electrochemical performance of hard carbon anodes. Besides, the review encapsulates the current research progress on sodium-ion full batteries. Finally, This review provides an outlook on the future research and development of hard carbon anodes.

Research Article
Open access

Determining the Necessity of Post‐Processing Heat Treatment for the 316L Stainless Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion through Evaluation of Mechanical and Corrosion Properties

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Determining the Necessity of Post-Processing Heat Treatment for the 316L Stainless Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion through Evaluation of Mechanical and Corrosion Properties Issue ,

This article examines the effect of postprocessing heat treatment on 316L stainless steel (SS316L) produced via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Heat treatment slightly affects property anisotropy, reduces strength, and enhances elongation. However, it increases corrosion susceptibility due to nanoscale precipitations, though overall corrosion resistance remains similar to wrought SS316L, challenging assumptions about the necessity of post-LPBF treatments.

Research Article
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Revealing the Effects of Friction Stir Processing on the Microstructural Evolutions and Mechanical Properties of As‐Cast Interstitial FeMnCoCrN High‐Entropy Alloy

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Revealing the Effects of Friction Stir Processing on the Microstructural Evolutions and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast Interstitial FeMnCoCrN High-Entropy Alloy Issue 7, 2024

The present study deals with exploring the unique microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of a friction-stir-processed FeMnCoCrN nonequiatomic high-entropy alloy through various characterization techniques. The effect of friction stir processing along with nitrogen as a solute element on the phase stability of the metastable FCC matrix is also investigated.

Research Article
Open access

The Influence of Phase Formation on Irradiation Tolerance in a Nanocrystalline TiZrNbHfTa Refractory High‐Entropy Alloy

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The Influence of Phase Formation on Irradiation Tolerance in a Nanocrystalline TiZrNbHfTa Refractory High-Entropy Alloy Issue 4, 2024

The study investigates the irradiation tolerance of a nanocrystalline refractory high-entropy alloy for use in advanced nuclear applications, revealing exceptional irradiation tolerance for the material containing up to two potential phases, but not when a third is present. The research highlights the impact of phase formation on irradiation tolerance to develop materials with improved performance in harsh nuclear environments.

Research Article
Open access

Dislocation Distribution, Crystallographic Texture Evolution, and Plastic Inhomogeneity of Inconel 718 Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

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Dislocation Distribution, Crystallographic Texture Evolution, and Plastic Inhomogeneity of Inconel 718 Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion Issue ,

Spatial distribution of microstructure in Inconel 718 3D-printed with bidirectional strategy with no rotation and chessboard strategy is studied. The former results in a highly ordered arrangement of coarse grains separated by line clusters of dislocation-dense fine grains. This arrangement is disrupted by the chessboard strategy. In situ testing reveals the link between the microstructure and spatial deformation behavior.

Research Article
Open access

Refractory High‐Entropy Alloys Produced from Elemental Powders by Severe Plastic Deformation

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Refractory High-Entropy Alloys Produced from Elemental Powders by Severe Plastic Deformation Issue 9, 2024

First time the refractory-high-entropy alloys (RHAEs) are manufactured through the solid-state joining of elemental powders at low temperatures using severe plastic deformation (SPD). The current approach facilitated the exploration of mechanisms involved in the formation of new phases and enabled variations in composition and thereby the optimization of RHEAs.

Review
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Review on Structural Adjustment Strategies of Titanium‐Based Metal Oxide Dimensionally Stable Anodes in Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Technology

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Review on Structural Adjustment Strategies of Titanium-Based Metal Oxide Dimensionally Stable Anodes in Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Technology Issue 8, 2024

Several Ti-based metal oxide dimensionally stable anodes commonly used in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) are introduced herein. The modification methods of Ti-based DSAs are summarized, and the application of these electrode in the degradation of organic pollutants in EAOP is also discussed. Finally, the current limitations and future development prospects of Ti-based DSA are critically summarized.

Review
Open access

Tooling in Spark Plasma Sintering Technology: Design, Optimization, and Application

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Tooling in Spark Plasma Sintering Technology: Design, Optimization, and Application Issue 5, 2024

The review highlights all aspects of tooling in spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology starting from basic configuration to design adapted to the manufacturing of complex-shaped parts. Modeling and optimization are essential issues in SPS tooling design. Upscaling and industrialization of SPS require multiple die tooling. Special tooling and high-pressure SPS equipment enable synthesis of diamonds and unique superhard materials.

Review
Open access

An Overview of the Electrospinning of Polymeric Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications Related to Drug Delivery

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An Overview of the Electrospinning of Polymeric Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications Related to Drug Delivery Issue 1, 2024

Electrospinning is vital for creating micro/nanofibers with unique properties and finding applications in biomedicine. This review focuses on drug delivery through electrospun nanofibers, covering loading methods, polymer types, and roles in tissue engineering and wound dressing. The discussion addresses challenges and future prospects in biomedical applications, emphasizing the versatility and significance of electrospun nanofibers in various fields.

Research Article
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Bioinspired 3D‐Printed Auxetic Structures with Enhanced Fatigue Behavior

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Bioinspired 3D-Printed Auxetic Structures with Enhanced Fatigue Behavior Issue 20, 2024

The world of auxetic structures, where innovation meets resilience, is dived into, unlocking the potential of auxetic metastructures and harnessing bioinspiration and fatigue resistance. Herein, how bioinspired designs mimic human tissue is explored, offering enhanced fatigue resistance and static mechanical properties. The future of materials engineering with auxetics—revolutionizing biomedical applications and beyond—is discovered.

Research Article
Open access

FAIR and Structured Data: A Domain Ontology Aligned with Standard‐Compliant Tensile Testing

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FAIR and Structured Data: A Domain Ontology Aligned with Standard-Compliant Tensile Testing Issue ,

The digitalization in materials science and engineering is discussed, emphasizing the importance of digital workflows and ontologies in managing diverse experimental data. Challenges such as quality assurance and data interoperability are tackled with semantic web technologies, focusing and introducing the tensile test ontology (TTO). TTO ensures data reliability and interoperability, detailed through its development and resource description framework data connection.

Research Article
Open access

Design and Selection of High Entropy Alloys for Hardmetal Matrix Applications Using a Coupled Machine Learning and Calculation of Phase Diagrams Methodology

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Design and Selection of High Entropy Alloys for Hardmetal Matrix Applications Using a Coupled Machine Learning and Calculation of Phase Diagrams Methodology Issue 10, 2024

This study utilizes a combined machine learning (ML) and calculation of phase diagrams methodology to design hardmetal matrix phases for metal-forming applications. Random forest ML models are constructed and trained from experimental high entropy alloy databases to make phase constitution and hardness predictions, with six promising compositions identified for experimental assessment and comparison with ML predictions.

Research Article
Open access

Soft‐Layered Composites with Wrinkling‐Activated Multi‐Linear Elastic Behavior, Stress Mitigation, and Enhanced Strain Energy Storage

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Soft-Layered Composites with Wrinkling-Activated Multi-Linear Elastic Behavior, Stress Mitigation, and Enhanced Strain Energy Storage Issue ,

In this study, exciting new bi-/multi-linear elastic behavior of soft elastic composites that accompany the activation of wrinkling in the embedded interfacial layers is analyzed. The new features and performance of these composite materials, including dramatic enhancements in energy storage, can be tailored by the concentration of interfacial layers, and the elastic properties of the matrix and interfacial layers.

Research Article
Open access

Additive Manufacturing of Interstitial Nitrogen‐Strengthened CoCrNi Medium Entropy Alloy

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Additive Manufacturing of Interstitial Nitrogen-Strengthened CoCrNi Medium Entropy Alloy Issue 16, 2024

The epitaxially grown columnar grains and their internal cellular solidification structure in the as-printed CoCrNi and CoCrNi-N samples.

Review
Open access

Human–Material Interaction Enabled by Fused Filament Fabrication 4D Printing

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Human–Material Interaction Enabled by Fused Filament Fabrication 4D Printing Issue 7, 2024

In this review, 4D printing using fused filament fabrication and its impact on human–material interaction are explored. Fundamental principles, methodologies, materials, advancements in sustainability, and applications in soft actuators, smart toys, household devices, textiles, and wood-based items are covered. Serving as a valuable resource, this article addresses challenges for widespread adoption, making it essential for researchers, practitioners, and designers.

Review
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Progress in Ionizing Radiation Shielding Materials

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Progress in Ionizing Radiation Shielding Materials Issue 21, 2024

A comprehensive overview of the latest progress in radiation shielding materials, specifically focusing on alloys, concrete, glass and ceramics, and polymer composites, is given. In addition, the synthesis methods of these materials and their corresponding radiation shielding properties are discussed. Finally, the current research gaps and future development direction of radiation shielding materials are presented.

Review
Open access

A Review on Laser Beam Shaping Application in Laser‐Powder Bed Fusion

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A Review on Laser Beam Shaping Application in Laser-Powder Bed Fusion Issue 14, 2024

This review comprehensively covers and presents the current research trend of laser beam shaping applications in laser-powder bed fusion. It delves into the opportunities, challenges, limitations, and future prospects of beam shaping applications. Furthermore, presents the methods and techniques used to modulate the laser beam profile, including spatial and temporal.

Research Article
Open access

Exploiting Geometric Frustration in Coupled von Mises Trusses to Program Multifunctional Mechanical Metamaterials

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Exploiting Geometric Frustration in Coupled von Mises Trusses to Program Multifunctional Mechanical Metamaterials Issue ,

Mechanical metamaterials capable of compressive stiffness tunability, shape morphing, and post-fabrication modularity. Herein, the 3D unit cell design is based on an assembly of bistable von Mises trusses that exhibit a switch in compressive stiffness and resting height from one stable state to the other. These properties are exploited to assemble sandwich panels with morphable shapes and tunable stiffness.

Review
Open access

Uncertainty Quantification of Microstructures: A Perspective on Forward and Inverse Problems for Mechanical Properties of Aerospace Materials

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Uncertainty Quantification of Microstructures: A Perspective on Forward and Inverse Problems for Mechanical Properties of Aerospace Materials Issue ,

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) of aerospace microstructures: state-of-the-art studies on UQ of microstructures in aerospace materials are examined. The forward problem of uncertainty propagation in process–structure and structure–property relationships is investigated. Additionally, the inverse UQ problem, referred to as “design under uncertainty,” is reviewed with a focus on the linkages between structure–process and property–structure.

Research Article
Open access

Biodegradable, Self‐Adhesive, Stretchable, Transparent, and Versatile Electronic Skins Based on Intrinsically Hydrophilic Poly(Caproactone‐Urethane) Elastomer

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Biodegradable, Self-Adhesive, Stretchable, Transparent, and Versatile Electronic Skins Based on Intrinsically Hydrophilic Poly(Caproactone-Urethane) Elastomer Issue 24, 2024

Breathable, stretchable, and biodegradable electrodes based on hydrophilic silanol/amine-terminated poly(caprolactone-urethane) elastomers are developed for flexible electronics and bionic skin applications. Embedded Ag nanowires form conductive networks, enabling capacitive, curvature, and strain sensors with transparency, good conductivity, and long-term epidermal use, while allowing perspiration evaporation.

Review
Open access

Rigidity‐Tunable Materials for Soft Engineering Systems

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Rigidity-Tunable Materials for Soft Engineering Systems Issue 13, 2024

Soft engineering systems have seen drastic advancements in robotics, electronics, and biomedical applications. However, these systems face challenges due to their inherent low stiffness. Herein, we discuss strategies utilizing stiffness-tunable materials to achieve the advantage of both rigid and soft materials. This approach offers the opportunity to advance soft engineering, enabling it to mimic the remarkable adaptability observed in biological systems.

Research Article
Open access

Long-Term High-Temperature Oxidation of Al10CoCrFeNi30 High-Entropy Alloy

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Long-Term High-Temperature Oxidation of Al10CoCrFeNi30 High-Entropy Alloy Issue 20, 2024

Herein, the long-term oxidation performance of an AlCoCrFeNi-based high entropy alloy (HEA) at 1000 °C for 1000 h is reported. Direct comparison with Inconel625 and HastelloyX reveals that the HEA has slower oxidation kinetics than Inconel 625 until 750 h. The HEA forms a triplex oxide scale containing Cr2O3 and Al2O3, and its performance is promising for high-temperature applications.

Research Article
Open access

Inkjet Printing of Cobalt Ferrite for Hard Ferromagnetic Thick Films Manufacturing

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Inkjet Printing of Cobalt Ferrite for Hard Ferromagnetic Thick Films Manufacturing Issue 15, 2024

Cobalt ferrite films produced via inkjet printing exhibit exceptional magnetic properties, including high coercivity and saturation magnetization. This study explores how factors like ink composition, drop spacing, and sintering temperatures affect film quality and properties. Findings reveal the feasibility of creating stable, multilayer films with high coercivity and saturation magnetization, highlighting the potential of inkjet for complex magnetic pattern fabrication.