Diffusion as a method for producing architectured materials

We describe the use of controlled diffusion treatments to arrange the distribution of alloying elements within a material. The Fe–C system is particularly interesting because of the strong effect of carbon on the mechanical properties and phase stability of steel. We demonstrate, through multi-step treatments, both one-dimensional and two-dimensional distributions of carbon within steel. A sample two-dimensional architecture is prepared and characterized to demonstrate feasibility. We briefly introduce a global optimization algorithm as a method for computationally optimizing treatment schedules.