Nickel-Copper (Ni-Cu) alloys exhibit simultaneously high strength and toughness, excellent corrosion resistance, and may show good wear resistance. Therefore, they are widely used in the chemical, oil, and marine industries for manufacturing of various components of equipment, such as: drill collars, pumps, valves, impellers, fixtures, pipes, and, particularly, propeller shafts of marine vessels. Processing technology includes bar forging, plate and tube rolling, wire drawing followed by heat treatment (for certain alloy compositions). Growing demand for properties improvement at a reduced cost initiate developments of new alloy chemistries and processing technologies, which require a revision of the microstructure-properties relationship. This work is dedicate to analysis of publicly available data for the microstructure, mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms in Ni-Cu alloys. The effects of composition (Ti, Al, Mn, Cr, Mo, Co contents) and heat treatment on grain refinement, solid solution, precipitation strengthening, and work hardening are discussed.

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is well-known as a material with perfect mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. It is used for manufacturing various high-temperature components for aerospace and energy generation, as well as wear- and corrosion-resistant devices in medicine. This work investigated the effect of a Y₂O₃ addition to ZrO₂ on the microstructure and mechanical properties of YSZ ceramics produced by one sintering schedule. ZrO₂ ceramics doped with 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 mol% Y₂O₃ (designated 3YSZ through to 8YSZ) were prepared by using conventional sintering at 1550 °C for 2 h in argon. The effect of yttria content was analyzed with respect to grain size, morphology of the microstructural features, phase composition, parameters of fracture surface, and flexural strength. The 7YSZ ceramics sintered at 1550 °C for 2 h showed the highest level of flexural strength due to the formation of the fine-grained microstructure containing mainly the monoclinic and tetragonal zirconia phases. The fracture micromechanism in the studied YSZ ceramics is discussed.

Biodegradable magnesium alloys have emerged as promising alternatives to permanent metallic implants due to their unique combination of mechanical compatibility with bone and complete resorption, addressing the persistent issues of stress shielding and secondary removal surgeries. This review critically examines the historical development of magnesium-based biomaterials, highlighting advances in alloy design, manufacturing processes, and surface engineering that now enable tailored degradation and improved clinical performance. Drawing on recent clinical and preclinical studies, we summarize improvements in corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility that have supported the clinical translation of magnesium alloys across a variety of orthopedic and emerging medical applications. However, challenges remain, including unpredictable in vivo degradation kinetics, limited long-term safety data, lack of standardized testing protocols, and ongoing regulatory uncertainties. We conclude that while magnesium-based biomaterials have advanced from experimental concepts to clinically validated solutions, further progress in personalized degradation control, real-time monitoring, and harmonized regulatory frameworks is needed to fully realize their transformative clinical potential.

Currently, ceramics are widely used in various industry branches, especially in energy, chemistry, and aerospace, as well as in medicine. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) having unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties is one of the most popular ceramics for such applications. In this study, the influence of sintering temperature and yttria percentage on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of YSZ ceramics have been investigated. Corresponding mixtures of ZrO₂ powder doped with 3 and 6 mol% Y₂O₃ powders (hereinafter: 3YSZ and 6YSZ) were prepared, and a series of ceramic specimens were sintered in argon at 1450 °C, 1500 °C, and 1550 °C for 2 h. Changes in the morphology and size of microstructural components as well as their distribution were analyzed with respect to the sintering mode, phase composition, flexural strength, and fracture surface morphology. The 3YSZ and 6YSZ ceramics sintered for 2 h at 1550 °C and 1450 °C, respectively, exhibited the highest levels of strength due to the presence of agglomerates of fine tetragonal zirconia phase particles with high bond strength, as well as larger grains of the monoclinic zirconia phase. The dominant fracture micromechanisms in both the 3YSZ and 6YSZ ceramics related to their high strength are discussed.

Steel product markets require the rolled stock with further increasing mechanical properties and simultaneously decreasing price. The steel cost can be reduced via decreasing the microalloying elements contents, although this decrease may undermine the mechanical properties. Multi-element microalloying with minor additions is the route to optimise steel composition and keep the properties high. However, this requires deep understanding of mutual effects of elements on each other’s performance with respect to the development of microstructure and mechanical properties. This knowledge is insufficient at the moment. In the present work we investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of bainitic steels microalloyed with Cr, Mo, Nb and V. Comparison of 0.2 wt. % Mo and Cr additions has shown a more pronounced effect of Mo on precipitation than on phase balance. Superior strength of the MoNbV-steel originated from the strong solid solution strengthening effect. Superior ductility of the CrNbV-steel corresponded to the more pronounced precipitation in this steel. Nature of these mechanisms is discussed.