The Journal of Materials Research and Technology is a publication of ABM - Brazilian Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Association - and publishes four issues per year also with a free version online (www.jmrt.com.br). The journal provides an international medium for the publication of theoretical and experimental studies related to Metallurgy, Materials and Minerals research and technology. Appropriate submissions to the Journal of Materials Research and Technology should include scientific and/or engineering factors which affect processes and products in the Metallurgy, Materials and Mining areas.