Lakshmi / Vallimanalan Smart Alloys

In Energy, Biomedical, Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive Industries
1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-3-11-163022-9
Verlag: De Gruyter
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: 6 - ePub Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 210 Seiten

The publication of "Innovations in Smart Alloys: From Microstructure to Market" addresses the growing demand for advanced materials that combine adaptive properties with high performance across diverse industries. This comprehensive volume explores the science and technology of smart alloys, tracing their historical development, underlying principles, and the latest advancements in their manufacturing, functionalization, and processing techniques. It delves into key topics such as the relationship between microstructure and material properties, the unique characteristics of multicomponent and high-entropy alloys, and the development of smart alloy composites and hybrid materials. The book also covers the significant applications of smart alloys in critical sectors including energy, biomedical, civil engineering, aerospace, and automotive industries, supported by case studies and real-world examples. This book is an invaluable resource for materials scientists, engineers, researchers, and industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of smart alloys and leverage their transformative potential in modern technology and industry.

Zielgruppe

Researchers in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical/Mechanical

Autoren/Hrsg.

Lakshmi, D.

Vallimanalan, A.

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Maschinenbau | Werkstoffkunde Technische Mechanik | Werkstoffkunde Kontinuumsmechanik
• Naturwissenschaften Chemie Anorganische Chemie
• Geowissenschaften Geologie Petrologie, Mineralogie
• Technische Wissenschaften Verfahrenstechnik | Chemieingenieurwesen | Biotechnologie Metallurgie

Leseproben

Chapter 1 Introduction to smart materials and alloys

D. Lakshmi

A. S. Gayathri

Acknowledgment: DL acknowledges PSGCAS for the IRSG (2023–2024/Physics/010).

Abstract

Smart alloys represent a transformative class of materials that exhibit dynamic, adaptive properties in response to external stimuli such as temperature, stress, or magnetic fields. These materials, including shape memory alloys, high-entropy alloys, and magnetostrictive alloys, have revolutionized industries ranging from aerospace and biomedical engineering to energy systems and robotics. Unlike conventional alloys, which are designed for static applications, smart alloys offer unique functionalities such as shape memory, superelasticity, and magnetostriction, enabling their use in advanced technologies. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution, synthesis, and applications of smart alloys, highlighting their role in addressing modern technological challenges. The discussion covers traditional and advanced synthesis techniques, the influence of microstructure on material properties, and the integration of smart alloys with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of things. Additionally, the chapter explores the sustainability aspects of alloy development, emphasizing eco-friendly synthesis methods and recycling-friendly materials. Through case studies and examples, the chapter underscores the potential of smart alloys to drive innovation in next-generation technologies, offering solutions for lightweight, durable, and adaptive systems.

Keywords: Shape memory alloys, high-entropy alloys, functionalization, coating, additive manufacturing, sustainable alloys,

1.1 Introduction

Alloys are materials formed by combining two or more elements, with at least one being a metal. This combination enhances properties such as strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, making alloys a cornerstone of technological progress. Historically, alloys like bronze and steel have been instrumental in shaping civilizations (Pickering and Jones, 2016). Bronze, a copper-tin alloy, enabled the creation of stronger tools, weapons, and artifacts during the Bronze Age. Similarly, steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, became a driving force behind the Industrial Revolution, revolutionizing construction, machinery, and transportation (Otsuka and Ren, 2005). In recent years, the emergence of smart alloys has transformed materials science. The term “smart” indicates the dynamic properties of alloys modified to showcase excellent and consistent characteristics associated with various-potential applications such as energy storage, sensing, corrosion resistance, metallurgy, biomedical uses, construction, and aerospace applications (Yeh et al., 2004). These advanced materials can respond dynamically to external stimuli, such as changes in temperature, mechanical stress, or magnetic fields, by fine-tuning the intrinsic aspects of the materials through various modes (Machado and Savi, 2003). Unlike traditional alloys, smart alloys, classified under various categories (Fig. 1.1) exhibit unique properties that set them apart.

Fig. 1.1: Overview of various alloys.

• Shape memory effect (SME): These alloys, like nitinol, can “remember” and return to their original shape when heated after being deformed (Buehler et al., 1963).

• Magnetostriction: Alloys like Terfenol-D change shape under magnetic fields, enabling precise motion in actuators (Bahl et al., 2020).

• Piezoelectricity: Certain alloys generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress, making them valuable for sensors and energy harvesting (Kulkarni et al., 2018).

These distinctive properties allow smart alloys to perform multifunctional roles across industries. In the aerospace sector, they enhance performance by enabling lightweight, adaptive components and vibration dampers. Biomedical applications benefit greatly from smart alloys like NiTi (nitinol), used in stents, surgical instruments, and orthodontic wires due to their SME and biocompatibility. In renewable energy systems, smart alloys play vital roles in thermoelectric devices, actuators, and energy storage, improving efficiency and adaptability. The development of smart alloys represents a paradigm shift in materials science, moving from static, passive materials to dynamic, responsive systems. These alloys align with modern demands for innovation and sustainability, addressing challenges in fields such as robotics, healthcare, and renewable energy. Current research focuses on integrating smart alloys with nanotechnology to create more efficient and durable systems for advanced applications (Bahl et al., 2020). Future advancements in hybrid and composite smart alloys are expected to open up further possibilities, such as in flexible electronics, autonomous systems, and wearable devices, cementing their role as pivotal materials for next-generation technologies.

1.2 Evolution of alloys: a historical perspective

The evolution of alloys dates back to around 3,000 BCE with the discovery of bronze, a revolutionary copper-tin alloy (Otsuka and Ren, 2005). Bronze tools and weapons replaced earlier stone implements, marking the Bronze Age. This period saw advancements in agriculture, warfare, and artistry, laying the groundwork for human progress. The subsequent Iron Age introduced steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, which became fundamental to construction and machinery (Pickering and Jones, 2016). During the Industrial Revolution, steel enabled mass production, railways, and skyscrapers, fueling rapid industrial and societal advancements. The twentieth century witnessed further innovation in conventional alloys (Zhang et al., 2008). Stainless steel, valued for its corrosion resistance, became essential in construction, medical tools, and household items. Aluminum alloys, known for their lightweight and durable properties, revolutionized the aerospace and automotive industries by enabling lightweight structures without compromising strength (Nelaturu, 2023). These conventional alloys were designed to meet static, predictable requirements in various applications. A breakthrough occurred in the mid-twentieth century with the advent of smart alloys, marking a new era in materials science (Otsuka and X. Ren, 2005; Miracle and Senkov, 2016). SMAs, such as NiTi (nitinol), introduced the concept of materials that could remember and return to their original shape when exposed to heat. This property found immediate use in biomedical devices, actuators, and adaptive systems. Superelasticity, another feature of SMAs, enabled large elastic deformations, further expanding their applications.

Fig. 1.2: Evolution of alloys.

The twenty-first century brought the development of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) composed of five or more principal elements in nearly equal proportions (Pickering and Jones, 2016). HEAs exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for demanding environments like aerospace, renewable energy systems, and robotics (Manivannan et al., 2019). Advances in synthesis techniques, such as rapid solidification and additive manufacturing (AM), have further enhanced the capabilities of smart alloys, enabling precise control over their properties and performance (Bhajantri et al., 2024). This evolution reflects a shift from conventional materials, valued for their static reliability, to smart alloys, which are dynamic and adaptive. The integration of computational modeling and characterization techniques has allowed for the design of alloys tailored to specific applications. Smart alloys now play a crucial role in addressing modern technological challenges, driving innovations in sustainable development, and shaping the future of industries worldwide. The timeline depicting the evolution of alloys is presented in Fig. 1.2.

1.3 Types and mechanisms of alloys

1.3.1 Overview of conventional alloys (e.g., steel, aluminum, brass)

Conventional alloys have played a crucial role in industrial advancements, offering structural stability, mechanical strength, and durability. These alloys are typically engineered by combining metals with other elements to optimize properties such as hardness, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. Processing techniques such as casting, forging, rolling, and heat treatment enable precise control...

Über Autor(innen)

Dr. D. Lakshmi is an Assistant Professor of Physics at PSG College of Arts and Science, Tamil Nadu, India, with a specialization in 2D and 3D metal oxides, alloys, and composites for Li-Ion Batteries and related applications. She has authored approximately 35 research publications and book chapters in high-impact international journals, reflecting her significant contributions to the field. With an h-index of 10, her ongoing projects are poised to advance energy storage technologies and materials science. Dr. Lakshmi has been honored with prestigious awards, including the DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship, CSIR Research Associateship, CEFIPRA-ESONN International Fellowship, and the Young Researcher Bursary from ESRF, France. She is also a recognized reviewer for leading journals such as the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Ceramics International, Journal of Energy Storage, and Ionics. Throughout her research career, Dr. Lakshmi has successfully completed two funded projects and is currently leading an in-house funded project. Her contributions extend beyond research to include academic teaching, mentoring, and delivering keynote presentations at international research events. Her work underscores a strong commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative materials and the enhancement of Li-Ion Battery technology.

Dr. Vallimanalan holds a PhD in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli, India. He is an accomplished researcher with expertise in high entropy alloys, corrosion & wear resistant coatings, thermal spray coatings, and the development of new alloys. With a passion for advancing materials science, he has contributed significantly to the field with more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 6, and 180 citations. Currently, Dr. Vallimanalan serves in the Department of Physics at PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore as an Assistant Professor (Research). As an editor of the book Dr. Vallimanalan brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the development and application of advanced materials.