processingstructureproperty

Processing-structure-property (PSP) refers to the set of relationships that connect how a material is manufactured with its internal structure and its resulting properties. Processing encompasses fabrication steps and conditions such as alloy composition, heat treatment, deformation, cooling rate, and modern techniques like additive manufacturing. Structure refers to micro- and nano-scale features including phase distribution, grain size and orientation, defects, and texture. Properties are the measurable material behaviors, such as strength, toughness, conductivity, stiffness, and corrosion resistance.

PSP frameworks are used to predict properties from processing and structure, and to guide processing choices to meet target performance. This often involves experimental characterization (electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy), mechanical and thermal testing, and microstructural analysis, as well as computational modeling (phase-field, crystal plasticity, finite element analysis, CALPHAD) and data-driven methods.

Applications span metals and alloys, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and extend to emerging areas such as additive manufacturing. Examples include heat treatment in steels and aluminum alloys to control grain size and precipitation for strength and toughness; polymer drawing to orient chains and increase stiffness; and additive manufacturing process parameters that influence porosity and residual stresses, which affect fatigue life and reliability.

Challenges in PSP work include multiscale coupling, variability in processing, and the need for standardized descriptors and comprehensive materials data. PSP thinking underpins materials design and optimization, enabling more efficient development of materials with tailored properties and improved manufacturability and performance.