5. Behavior of multiphase alloys

Chemical composition and various thermomechanical treatments can result in multi-phase alloys. The volume fractions of each phase are variable, but their characteristic size is similar and comparable to the grain size of each phase. It is possible to vary the nature of the phases, their morphology, distribution, volume fraction and composition and, consequently, their mechanical behavior. This possibility has been used for a very long time in steels, titanium alloys, brass... to adjust the desired mechanical properties to the intended applications. Different cases are presented in greater detail for steels in the article on steel hardening [M 4 342]...