Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115585
Min Yao , Zhida Liu , Weizhang Guo , Guanzheng Wu , Dawei Gao , Gaopeng Jia , Huanling Wu , Ling Lin , Yu Ren , Zhengming Qi , Chunxia Wang
{"title":"Sodium periodate-driven one pot iodine doping TiO2 for superior visible-light photocatalytic degradation","authors":"Min Yao , Zhida Liu , Weizhang Guo , Guanzheng Wu , Dawei Gao , Gaopeng Jia , Huanling Wu , Ling Lin , Yu Ren , Zhengming Qi , Chunxia Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Visible light driven photocatalysis offers a sustainable solution for environmental remediation. As a cornerstone photocatalyst, the practical application of TiO<sub>2</sub> is severely constrained by its narrow visible light response range and inefficient charge carrier separation. An innovative one-pot synthesis strategy was developed for preparing a highly active iodine-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> (I-TiO<sub>2</sub>) visible light photocatalyst, using NaIO<sub>4</sub>′s dual functionality as simultaneous iodine source and oxidant. Characterization revealed that the successful iodine doping in TiO<sub>2</sub> matrix effectively reduced bandgap energy and suppressed charge carrier recombination, consequently broadening optical absorption range and enhancing visible light responsiveness. The prepared anatase I-TiO<sub>2</sub> exhibited small crystallite of 6.93 nm and high surface area of 222.61 m<sup>2</sup>/g. The optimized I-TiO<sub>2</sub> achieved 99.04 % and 89.65 % degradation efficiency of methylene orange (MO) solution within 10 min and 60 min, while maintaining 92.6 % and 85.1 % after consecutive three recycling tests under simulated sunlight and visible light, respectively, demonstrating its superior photocatalytic activity and stability. Active species trapping experiment and ESR analysis revealed that superoxide radicals (⋅O<sub>2</sub><sup>−</sup>) served as the dominant active species in I-TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalytic degradation process of MO solution. This work provides new insights into oxidant-assisted doping strategies for designing high-performance visible light photocatalysts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115585"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115648
Yuwen Xing , Juan Liu , Yonggang Huang , Peng Jiao , Yajie Du , Weiwei Cao , Pan Shi , Le Chang , Zhili He , Jinsheng Jia
{"title":"Improvement of transmittance homogeneity via coating anti-Gaussian chromium films on tapered optical fibre arrays","authors":"Yuwen Xing , Juan Liu , Yonggang Huang , Peng Jiao , Yajie Du , Weiwei Cao , Pan Shi , Le Chang , Zhili He , Jinsheng Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115648","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115648","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transmittance inhomogeneity of Tapered Optical Fibre Arrays (TOFAs) is well-recognized to attenuate edge signal, reduce detective sensitivity and compress dynamic response range. A radial depth-varied coating scheme based on a ‘transmittance-film thickness’ digital correlation model was proposed to improve the transmittance inhomogeneity of TOFA. Considering the characteristic that TOFAs exhibit a Gaussian distribution in their inherent transmittance, a volute mask with spiral gradient openings was first designed. This mask was then integrated with a self-developed rotating coating device to build a dynamically coordinated deposition system. The anti-Gaussian films was successfully fabricated by the integrated depositing system. The microscopic characterization by TEM and SEM illustrates the nonlinear and precise control on the thickness of the metallic chromium film from the center to the edge. The experimental results show the transmittance inhomogeneity of TOFAs coated by anti-Gaussian film is decreased from originally ranging from 4.21% to 11.872% to a minimum of 1.422%. It is confirmed that the prepared high-quality anti-Gaussian film effectively compensate transmittance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115648"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147400223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115601
Xiaoyu Song , Shusuo Li , Haigen Zhao , Wenqi Guo , Yi Ru , Tianyu Zhang , Weitao Xu , Shan Li , Bin Gan , Yanling Pei , Shengkai Gong
{"title":"Effect of carbon content on solidification behavior of a Mo- and Al-rich nickel-based single-crystal superalloy","authors":"Xiaoyu Song , Shusuo Li , Haigen Zhao , Wenqi Guo , Yi Ru , Tianyu Zhang , Weitao Xu , Shan Li , Bin Gan , Yanling Pei , Shengkai Gong","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Optimizing carbon content is critical for the design of Ni-based single-crystal superalloys, particularly for high-temperature applications. This study systematically investigated the influence of carbon on the solidification behavior and phase evolution of a Mo- and Al-rich Ni-based single-crystal superalloy. Increasing carbon content lowered the solidus temperature and widened the mushy zone, which is associated with the precipitation of low-melting-point carbides during the terminal stage of solidification. At 56 ppm carbon, no carbides were observed and the interdendritic regions contained the σ-NiMoRe phase with a tetragonal structure. At 180 ppm carbon, σ-NiMoRe and blocky primary M<sub>6</sub>C carbides coexisted adjacent to the large primary blocky γ′ phase, separated by distinct boundaries. At 270 ppm carbon, script-like, Mo- and Ta-enriched M<sub>6</sub>C carbides with a cubic (fcc-type) structure became the dominant interdendritic constituent; concurrently, elemental segregation became more pronounced. Increasing carbon content also increased the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) and reduced both the liquid viscosity (<em>μ</em>) and solidification shrinkage coefficient (<em>β</em>). These effects contributed to significant porosity reduction by decreasing the shrinkage pressure drop. Overall, controlled carbon addition optimizes solidification behavior and phase stability, providing practical guidance for alloy design and solidification control in Mo- and Al-rich Ni-based single-crystal superalloys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115601"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115571
Ruihao Fu , Zihao Zhou , Yan Yang , Chenwei Hu , Yuyang Gao , Di Pei , Qiang Yang , Qian Li , Bin Jiang
{"title":"Enhancing the mechanical properties of Mg-7Li-3Zn-3Gd alloy by Extrusion-Swaging based on elemental segregation","authors":"Ruihao Fu , Zihao Zhou , Yan Yang , Chenwei Hu , Yuyang Gao , Di Pei , Qiang Yang , Qian Li , Bin Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115571","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A lightweight, high-strength, and ductile Mg-7Li-3Zn-3Gd alloy was fabricated through a two-stage mechanical processing route: initial hot-extrusion followed by room-temperature rotary swaging. The primary reinforcement mechanism of the test alloys had been investigated, with the following results. The yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of the Mg-7Li-3Zn-3Gd alloy at room temperature reach to 276 MPa, 303 MPa and 24%, respectively. The alloy mainly consisted of <em>α</em>-Mg, <em>β</em>-Li, Mg<sub>3</sub>Zn<sub>3</sub>Gd<sub>2</sub> and MgZn<sub>2</sub> phases. Dynamic precipitation and dynamic recrystallization occurred during hot extrusion. In the rotary-swaged alloy, precipitates dispersed and pinned the grain boundaries, refined the grains and hindered the dislocation movement. The Zn element segregated around Mg<sub>3</sub>Zn<sub>3</sub>Gd<sub>2</sub> and MgZn<sub>2</sub>, stabilizing the interfaces and the intermetallic phases. The segregation of zinc further increased the radius of dislocation barriers, and improved performance. Notably, nanosized precipitates and element segregation synergistically regulated the mechanical properties of the Mg-7Li-3Zn-3Gd alloy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115571"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115591
Haixu Li , Xiaolei Wang , Yagan Duan , Tingting Wu , Xinrui Guo , Tianyu Zhang , Zhuoheng Li , Wenxin Cao , Jiaqi Zhu , Yu Sun
{"title":"Cellulose-inspired anisotropic hydrogen bond-enhanced strong and tough poly(vinyl alcohol)-chitosan hydrogel for chronic wound healing","authors":"Haixu Li , Xiaolei Wang , Yagan Duan , Tingting Wu , Xinrui Guo , Tianyu Zhang , Zhuoheng Li , Wenxin Cao , Jiaqi Zhu , Yu Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study proposes a cellulose-biomimetic structural strategy and employs a composite process of directional freezing and salt precipitation to successfully fabricate a hydrogen-bond-enhanced anisotropic Poly(vinyl alcohol)<sub>5</sub>-chitosan hydrogel<sub>1</sub> (P<sub>5</sub>-CS<sub>1</sub>). This hydrogel exhibits a tensile strength of 8.6 MPa (≈33-fold higher than that of P<sub>5</sub>-CS<sub>1</sub>-FT prepared via the freeze–thaw method) and a toughness of 29.1 ± 1.4 MJ/m<sup>3</sup> (≈80-fold higher than that of the P<sub>5</sub>-CS<sub>1</sub>-FT). This hydrogel simultaneously achieves strain (713%), water content (77%), and porosity (82%). While its water content matches that of human tissues, its tensile properties outperform typical PVA-based wound dressings and even surpass those of natural tissues (e.g., muscle and cartilage). To adapt to diverse chronic wound scenarios, phosphorylated chitosan (PCS) is incorporated to form P<sub>5</sub>-CS<sub>1</sub>-P. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that P<sub>5</sub>-CS<sub>1</sub>-P exhibits robust bioactivity, maintaining > 100% L929 viability, reducing IL-1 and IL-6, and accelerating SD rat full-thickness wound closure to 95%. The design integrates physical protection, directional fluid management, and drug delivery, while PCS loading adds anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pro-healing functions, offering a promising synergistic strategy for chronic wound care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115591"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115565
Jiaying Han , Lijia Zhang , Xinrong Zhang , Yahui Hu
{"title":"Grinding force reduction mechanism for micro-dimple morphology in ultrasonic-assisted longitudinal-normal grinding","authors":"Jiaying Han , Lijia Zhang , Xinrong Zhang , Yahui Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115565","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115565","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To meet the surface quality requirements of steel-based materials in high-precision machining, this study employs a tapered wheel to convert one-dimensional (1D) longitudinal ultrasonic vibration into two-dimensional (2D) longitudinal-normal coupled vibrations in a rotary ultrasonic-assisted grinding (RUAG) system. This method effectively produces a novel “non-contact intermittent grinding” behavior in abrasive grains, which reduces grinding forces and facilitates the formation of micro-dimples. To study the reduction mechanism of grinding force, a theoretical force prediction model of a single grain was proposed, which extended the framework of cutting deformation and friction forces by incorporating an impact force component. Systematic investigations revealed that grinding forces increased with vibration amplitude, decreased with rotational speed, and sharply rose with feed rate. Model predictions showed an error rate of less than 15% compared to experimental results. Experimental results of eccentric grinding wheel further confirmed that the frequent occurrence of non-contact grinding increased effective grain engagement, significantly reduced grinding depth and forces, and improved surface roughness compared to conventional grinding (CG) methods. This study provides theoretical models, simulated approaches, and practical guidelines for advancing 2D ultrasonic grinding technologies, with implications for enhanced precision and efficiency in industrial applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115565"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115573
Yue Sun , Ming Sun , Xingyu Lin , Yifei Sun , Dongmei Mei , Hui Zhang , Fan Li , Shujie Wang
{"title":"MMP-responsive hydrogel: a new approach for tissue repair and regeneration","authors":"Yue Sun , Ming Sun , Xingyu Lin , Yifei Sun , Dongmei Mei , Hui Zhang , Fan Li , Shujie Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115573","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115573","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tissue injury can lead to structural and functional abnormalities, severely impacting health-related quality of life. Due to the complex dynamics of the tissue injury microenvironment, traditional hydrogels struggle to achieve real-time drug release regulation tailored to disease progression. Given that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) exhibit highly specific and significant changes within this microenvironment, MMP-responsive hydrogels have been designed to recognize pathologically overexpressed MMPs, enabling spatiotemporal-controlled drug release and remodeling of the injury microenvironment. Additionally, the three-dimensional network structure of hydrogels not only provides a scaffold for cell migration and proliferation but also effectively fills irregular tissue defects, thus overcoming the mechanical support limitations of nanocarriers. This review systematically summarizes the multi-scale design strategies of MMP-responsive hydrogels, including their composition designs, synthetic methods, and drug loading strategies, while delving into their mechanisms of action in wound healing, bone/cartilage repair, myocardial regeneration, and neural repair. Furthermore, we analyze the current opportunities and challenges in clinical translation, providing insights for developing next-generation intelligent hydrogels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115573"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115533
Yi Lu , Zhe Chen , Qiulong chen , Bin Wu , Bin Yan , Min Chen , Fei Jiang , Yuhuan Xiao , Fan Yang , Jing Rao , Samir Mustapha , Jianhua Li
{"title":"Design and validation of Offset Split-P porous titanium implants for mandibular defect repair","authors":"Yi Lu , Zhe Chen , Qiulong chen , Bin Wu , Bin Yan , Min Chen , Fei Jiang , Yuhuan Xiao , Fan Yang , Jing Rao , Samir Mustapha , Jianhua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mandibular defects from tumor resection and trauma are increasing, while autograft and allograft resources remain limited. Here, we developed and fabricated a mandibular implant based on an offset-optimized, gradient-designed Split-P lattice. The feasibility of the porous implant was systematically assessed through mechanical simulations, fluid dynamic analyses, compression testing, in vitro cell culture, and corrosion immersion experiments, employing small-scale Ti-6Al-4V Offset Split-P structures (unit cell: 5 × 5 × 5 mm; strut diameter: 0.5 mm). The results demonstrate that this structure exhibits superior mass transport performance compared with four common topologies (Gyroid, Schwarz, Diamond, and Neovius). At porosities consistent with the human mandible (60 %–90 %), its elastic modulus (3.83–18.89 GPa) and yield strength (28.51–171.90 MPa) that match the characteristic range of human mandibular bone, while maintaining good biocompatibility. Moreover, it promotes cell proliferation, directional migration, and osteogenic differentiation, and shows outstanding corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term structural stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115533"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials & DesignPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115517
Xiaogang Li , Junfeng Nie , Yong Liu , Xu Zhang , Haiquan Zhang
{"title":"Effect of post-weld heat treatment on microstructure and hydrogen embrittlement of stir zone of friction stir welded 2xxx aluminum-alloy joints","authors":"Xiaogang Li , Junfeng Nie , Yong Liu , Xu Zhang , Haiquan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stir zone was weakest constituent of friction stir welded (FSW) aluminum-alloy joints, however, hydrogen embrittlement on the isolated stir zone has not been clarified. Here, effect of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the microstructure and hydrogen embrittlement of the stir zone of FSW 2xxx aluminum-alloy joints is investigated by electrochemical hydrogen charging, tensile tests and advanced micro-characterization methods. Samples of stir zones extracted from the as-welded FSW joint and PWHT FSW joint are labeled sample A and sample B, respectively. Pristine sample A contains very few θ precipitates. PWHT causes abundant θ′ phase re-precipitation in sample B, following a (0<!--> <!-->0<!--> <!-->1)<sub>θ′</sub>//(0<!--> <!-->01<!--> <!-->)<sub>α-Al</sub> and [1<!--> <!-->0<!--> <!-->0]<sub>θ′</sub>//[1<!--> <!-->0<!--> <!-->0]<sub>α-Al</sub> orientation relationship. After PWHT, the tensile strength of stir zone could be increased by 9%, accompanied by the decrease in the plasticity, which is attributed to the dislocation movement obstruction and dislocation accumulation caused by θ′ phases. Notably, hydrogen embrittlement sensitivity index by tensile strength was 13.9% for sample B, much higher than that for sample A because of θ′ phase re-precipitation in the stir zone. Abundant θ′ precipitates in sample B obstruct dislocation movement, cause dislocation pile-ups, and function as hydrogen-trap sites enabling hydrogen-atom accumulation, leading to significant hydrogen embrittlement failure triggered by hydrogen-enhanced local plasticity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115517"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146057487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Cr1-xNbx and (Cr1-xNbx)Ny coatings for harsh-environment applications","authors":"Sagar Jathar , Chaimaa Fikry , Olivier Donzel-Gargand , Sanath Kumar Honnali , Alireza Farhadizadeh , Arnaud le Febvrier , Rebecka Lindblad , Magnus Odén , Leif Nyholm , Per Eklund","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115620","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115620","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chromium-based coatings are of interest for applications in harsh environments due to their high hardness and excellent resistance to corrosion. However, coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering often exhibit columnar microstructure which can compromise their performance by promoting porosity and reducing mechanical integrity. In this work, we present an approach to overcome this limitation by alloying Cr with Nb and N, forming (Cr<sub>1-x</sub>Nb<sub>x</sub>)N<sub>y</sub> films. Increasing Nb content in Cr<sub>1-x</sub>Nb<sub>x</sub> films (0.19 ≤ x ≤ 0.55) led to an X-ray amorphous microstructure, confirmed by X-ray diffractometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, while hardness remains ∼8 to 11 GPa regardless of Nb content. Adding N to Nb-containing films (0.19 < x < 0.55) produced a nanocrystalline, denser microstructure with reduced column width, resulting in a ∼66 % higher hardness (∼15 GPa) than the metallic films. Electrochemical measurements show enhanced passivity of Nb-containing coatings above 1 V vs. Ag/AgCl, attributed to the suppression of soluble Cr<sup>6+</sup> species. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> could oxidize soluble species in the electrolyte forming NbO<sub>2</sub> on the surface. These findings show how Nb and N additions can tailor the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of (Cr<sub>1-x</sub>Nb<sub>x</sub>)N<sub>y</sub> films.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115620"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}