ABSTRACT
Development of new/high-performance materials is essential for the progress of technologies. Materials with fine grains/nanocrystalline and amorphous structure, uniform distribution of reinforcement/secondary phases, and strong/clear interface between matrix reinforcement and low porosity exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and remarkable performance. Such advanced materials with suitable microstructure can be produced through synthesis using unconventional processing techniques that include microwave sintering, spark plasma sintering, high-frequency induction sintering, disintegrated melt deposition technique, friction stir processing, ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification, laser cladding, and severe plastic deformation processes (e.g., accumulative roll bonding and equi-channel angular process). Materials produced by these processes have prospective applications in critical and futuristic technologies. In this chapter, the methodologies involved in the abovementioned unconventional processing techniques are described and discussed. Before the description, a brief introduction to the advanced materials, such as composites/nanocomposites, amorphous alloys/bulk metallic glasses, high-entropy alloys, and ultra-fine-grained/nanocrystalline materials, that can be produced by these techniques is presented. The chapter also highlights the enhancements in properties, namely, microstructure, hardness, tensile/compression strength, ductility, wear resistance, high-temperature tensile properties, and fatigue resistance observed in the materials synthesized through the unconventional processing methods.
