Microstructure represents various kinds of heterogeneities in the metallic materials such as grains, component phases, lattice defects and impurity/ alloying elements. It can be modified through control of phase transformation/ precipitation or deformation/recrystallization by adjusting chemical compositions and thermal and mechanical processings. Such expertise in micro/nanostructure control becomes more important from viewpoints of energy saving and recycling in current and future production of structural materials such as steels. We explore advanced control of micro/nanostructures, such as atomic structures of crystalline interfaces, chemistry in atomic scales such as clustering and segregation. Fundamentals of microstructure formation ( thermodynamics,kinetics , crystallography) are examined theoretically and experimentally to clarify key factors for microstructure control. Another important aspect in our research is improvement of materials properties. Possibilities to establish superior mechanical properties (e.g., ultrahigh strength with high toughness/ductility) or new functions (e.g., superplasticity, shape memory/ superelasticity ) are explored.

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