In the dynamic landscape of materials science and engineering, academic journals serve as the lifeblood for disseminating cutting-edge research findings and propelling the advancement of the discipline. In January 2025, a significant milestone was achieved with the launch of Materials and Solidification, an international journal dedicated to the field of solidification, on SciOpen, an international digital publishing platform developed by Tsinghua University Press. This new journal offers a state-of-the-art platform for scholars, engineers, and professionals in the solidification domain to exchange ideas and share their latest research breakthroughs.
I. Journal Overview and Distinctive Features
Materials and Solidification is published by Tsinghua University Press and receives academic support from the State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Prof. Jinshan Li from Northwestern Polytechnical University assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief, while Prof. Junjie Wang serves as the Executive Editor. This editorial team, composed of renowned experts in the field, ensures the journal's high academic standards and its ability to attract top-tier research contributions.
The journal's focus lies on the latest research in solidification theory and technology. It publishes forefront research findings related to the solidification theory and technology of bulk or thin-film materials, covering a wide range of materials such as metals, semiconductors, organic, inorganic, and polymeric materials. The scope extends to include solidification-related processes like casting, welding, and additive manufacturing. Moreover, it delves into non-equilibrium solidification phenomena in multi-physical fields such as electric, ultrasonic, magnetic, and microgravity environments. This broad scope makes the journal relevant to a diverse audience, from materials scientists exploring fundamental solidification mechanisms to engineers seeking to optimize industrial processes.
One of the most notable features of Materials and Solidification is its commitment to open access. By adopting an open-access model, the journal ensures that all its content is freely available to readers worldwide. This not only promotes the rapid dissemination of knowledge but also breaks down barriers to scientific research, enabling researchers from different regions and institutions to access the latest studies without financial constraints. The journal is published online on the SciOpen platform, which provides a user-friendly interface for easy navigation, article submission, and reading. The digital publishing format also allows for quick publication times, ensuring that research findings reach the scientific community in a timely manner.
Another advantage is that the journal's submission and review system is already operational. This means that researchers can submit their manuscripts without delay, accelerating the publication process. Additionally, for articles submitted from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, the article processing charge (APC) is waived. This incentive encourages researchers to submit their high-quality work to the journal, further enhancing its potential to become a leading publication in the field.
II. Launched Articles Showcase Research Diversity
Since its launch, Materials and Solidification has already published a series of high-quality research articles that highlight the journal's broad scope and the cutting-edge nature of the research it presents.
Wang Z, Zhang Q, Tan L, et al.'s article "Lattice Boltzmann modeling of dendrite growth during ultrasonic-assisted solidification of an IN718 alloy" focuses on the application of the Lattice Boltzmann method to simulate dendrite growth during ultrasonic-assisted solidification of the IN718 alloy. IN718 is a widely used nickel - based superalloy in the aerospace and automotive industries. Understanding the dendrite growth process under ultrasonic assistance can help improve the quality of the alloy during solidification, leading to enhanced mechanical properties and performance.
Shi L, Lyu X, Chen J, et al.'s work "Multi-scale simulation of thermal processes and microstructure evolution in wire arc additive manufacturing of 921A steel" is related to the emerging field of additive manufacturing. Wire arc additive manufacturing is a promising technique for fabricating metal components with complex geometries. The multi - scale simulation presented in this article provides a comprehensive understanding of the thermal processes and microstructure evolution during the manufacturing process, which is essential for optimizing the process parameters and ensuring the quality of the final product.
Chen Y, Qiao R, Gou J, et al.'s article "Magnetic heat-treatment induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and dynamic precipitation in Fe–Ga magnetostrictive alloys" investigates the effects of magnetic heat - treatment on Fe–Ga magnetostrictive alloys. Magnetostrictive alloys are important for applications in sensors, actuators, and energy - harvesting devices. The research findings in this article contribute to the understanding of how magnetic heat - treatment can be used to tailor the properties of these alloys for specific applications.
These articles not only represent the high-quality research being conducted in the field of solidification but also demonstrate the journal's ability to attract diverse and impactful research from around the world.
III. Call for Papers: Inviting Diverse Research
Materials and Solidification has an open-arms policy towards a wide range of research in the solidification field. In addition to the core areas of solidification theory and technology for various materials and related processes, the journal welcomes studies with innovative ideas, theories, and methods. Interdisciplinary research is highly encouraged, as it reflects the growing trend of cross-disciplinary collaboration in modern materials science.
Articles that present new discoveries, critical thinking, and profound insights are especially sought after. All submitted manuscripts will undergo a rigorous single-blind peer-review process. This ensures that only articles that meet the highest academic standards are published, maintaining the journal's reputation for quality and reliability.
The journal accepts various article types, including Review, Concept, Research Article, Short Communication, Comment, and Reply. This diversity in article types allows researchers to present their work in the most appropriate format, whether it is a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art, a novel concept proposal, in-depth research findings, or a concise communication of new results.
For researchers who encounter academic issues during the submission process, they can reach out to the Executive Editor, Prof. Junjie Wang, via email at wang.junjie@nwpu.edu.cn. This personalized support further streamlines the submission process and makes it more accessible for researchers, especially those new to the journal.
IV. Future Prospects: Shaping the Solidification Field
As a newly launched international scientific journal, Materials and Solidification holds great promise for the future. With its well-defined mission, strict review system, extensive research scope, and open-access model, it has already established itself as a platform for high-quality academic exchange.
In the coming years, the journal is expected to play an increasingly important role in driving innovation in solidification theory and technology. By providing a platform for researchers to share their latest findings, it will stimulate new ideas and collaborations, leading to breakthroughs in the field. The promotion of interdisciplinary research will also contribute to the cross-fertilization of different scientific disciplines, fostering the development of new research directions and applications.
Furthermore, the journal has the potential to strengthen the collaboration between academia and industry. The research published in Materials and Solidification can provide practical solutions and theoretical support for industrial applications in areas such as materials processing, manufacturing, and product development. This will not only benefit the academic community but also have a positive impact on the development of related industries.
In conclusion, Materials and Solidification is a valuable addition to the academic landscape of solidification research. Whether for researchers deeply exploring the mysteries of solidification science, engineers aiming to apply solidification technology in practical production, or policymakers concerned with the development direction of the industry, the journal serves as an essential source of cutting-edge information and a platform for academic exchange. As it continues to grow and evolve, it is set to become a core journal in the solidification field, leading the way in academic research and technological progress.
Journal Homepage: https://www.sciopen.com/journal/3078-7955
Submission Website: http://mc03.manuscriptcentral.com/msolid
Editorial Office Email: matersolid@tup.tsinghua.edu.cn
Journal
Materials and Solidification