Materials with nanoscale structure (i.e. a structure of less than 100 nanometers in size) represent a new and exciting field of research. These materials can be produced in many ways, possess a number of unique properties compared with coarser-scaled structures, and have several possible applications with significant technological importance. Based on a state-of-the-art survey of research findings and commercial prospects, this new book concludes that much work remains to be done in characterizing these structures and their exceptional properties, and presents recommendations for the specific research and development activities needed to fill these gaps in our understanding.

This book integrates aspects of computational materials science, physical metallurgy, alloy design, structure-properties relationships, and applications of advanced multicomponent alloys. It can serve as a textbook for courses on advanced structural and functional materials for undergraduate and graduate students. Notably, the book compiles cutting-edge research on the progress of materials science of multicomponent alloys from fundamentals to engineering applications. It can be of considerable interest for researchers and scientists in the field of materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and metallurgy engineering. In addition, this book not only summarizes the compositions, properties, and applications of various types of multicomponent alloys but also presents a complete idea on the efficient design of materials and processes to satisfy targeted performance in materials and structures. Thus, it can also be used as a reference book for engineers and researchers in industries.

The rapid technological developments during the later half of the 20th century have demanded materials that are stronger, capable of use at much higher temperatures, more corrosion-resistant, and much less expensive than those currently used. These demands become even more significant on the threshold of the new century and the millennium. Significant improvements in properties can only be achieved by processing the materials under far-from-equilibrium (or non-equilibrium) conditions. Several new processing technologies have been developed during the past few decades including, rapid solidification, spray forming, mechanical alloying, ion mixing, vapor deposition, laser processing and plasma processing. Remarkable advances have been made in recent years in the science and technology of these processes used to synthesize, characterize, and apply these materials processed under non-equilibrium conditions. Some of these techniques have evolved from laboratory curiosity to commercial-scale manufacturing in just a few years. In other cases, industrial necessity prompted development of the technology, and the science followed later. The chapters in this book have been written by people who are world-recognized experts in their respective fields. Each chapter describes the principles, processing techniques, special features of the materials produced, and their applications. An extensive list of references is provided at the end of each chapter that will facilitate location of additional information on specific aspects of any technique.