Defect phases – thermodynamics and impact on material properties

Two approaches in materials physics have proven immensely successful alloy design: First, thermodynamic and kinetic descriptions for tailoring processing alloys to achieve a desired microstructure. Second, crystal defect manipulation control strength, formability corrosion resistance. However, date, the two concepts remain essentially decoupled. A bridge is needed between these powerful single conceptual framework. Considering defects their state holistically as ‘defect phases’, provides future design strategy by jointly treating stability of both, local crystalline structure distribution elements at defects. Here, we suggest that are naturally linked phase diagrams describing coexistence transitions phases. Construction will require new quantitative descriptors. We believe such framework enable paradigm shift description engineering materials.