| Abstract Scope |
Traditional alloy design uses thermodynamic modeling to predict equilibrium phases, followed by thermomechanical treatments and final annealing to stabilize the microstructure. However, this stepwise method often treats thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects separately, limiting the efficient use of metallic systems.Our research takes a multi-stimuli approach—integrating mechanical deformation, chemical potentials, and thermal activation during processing—to develop multifunctional composite alloys. This strategy promotes energy-efficient processing, enables access to metastable microstructures with enhanced properties, and broadens the design space for advanced materials.In this talk, I’ll share how we apply this approach in our lab. For example, we use solid-state processing of Al alloys with reactive particles like Fe₃O₄ to form nanocomposites containing Al, Al–Fe intermetallics, and Fe+Al₂O₃/MgO core-shell structures. These exhibit an unusual mix of high strength, ductility, and ferromagnetic behavior. This methodology is being extended to design ultra-high conductivity, thermally stable, and tough magnetic alloy systems. |