ABSTRACT
Solid solution alloys show many desirable properties such as increase in strength and elastic modulus, changes in density, and elimination of undesirable coarse second phases. Uniform precipitation of fine second-phase particles in a metallic matrix has been known for long to increase the strength and hardness of precipitation-hardening alloys [1]. The magnitude of improvement in the mechanical properties depends on interparticle spacing, and size and volume fraction of the precipitate or dispersoid. Since large-volume fractions of second-phase particles can be obtained during annealing/decomposition of highly supersaturated solid solutions, it is highly beneficial to synthesize supersaturated solid solutions, i.e., increase the solid solubility limits in alloy systems beyond the equilibrium limits. This leads to the synthesis of alloys with high strength and high strength-to-weight ratios.
