Microstructure and properties of Fe_xCrMnAlCu high-entropy alloy

Abstract

Fe_xCrMnAlCu (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) high-entropy alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting in this study. The effects of the element Fe on the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and wear behaviour of Fe_xCrMnAlCu were evaluated. Results show that all Fe_xCrMnAlCu consisted of dendrites (disordered BCC) and interdendritic (disordered FCC) structures. With an increase in Fe, uniformly distributed rod-like precipitates (Φ50 nm × 300 nm) rich in Al and Cu (ordered BCC) were formed in the dendrites; the volume fraction of the dendrites increased gradually, whereas the content of the interdendritic structures decreased. Through mechanical property testing, it was found that the content of precipitates significantly affected the strength and hardness of the Fe_xCrMnAlCu.

KEYWORDS:

• High-entropy alloys
• micro-organisational structure
• mechanical properties
• precipitates
• strengthening mechanism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was financial supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Mesh (2018-63-200618-34), Gansu Provincial Young Doctors Foundation (2021QB-043) and R&D Project of CNNC Nuclear Power Operation Management Co., Ltd. (QS4FY-22003224)