A novel immiscible high entropy alloy strengthened via L12-nanoprecipitate

Zheng-qin Wang, Ming-yu Fan, Yang Zhang, Jun-peng Li, Li-yuan Liu, Ji-hong Han, Xing-hao Li, Zhong-wu Zhang

Journal of Central South University ›› 2024, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (6) : 1808-1822. DOI: 10.1007/s11771-024-5683-7

A novel immiscible high entropy alloy strengthened via L12-nanoprecipitate

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Abstract

The low-cost Fe-Cu, Fe-Ni, and Cu-based high-entropy alloys exhibit a widespread utilization prospect. However, these potential applications have been limited by their low strength. In this study, a novel Fe31Cu31Ni28Al4Ti3Co3 immiscible high-entropy alloy (HEA) was developed. After vacuum arc melting and copper mold suction casting, this HEA exhibits a unique phase separation microstructure, which consists of striped Cu-rich regions and Fe-rich region. Further magnification of the striped Cu-rich region reveals that it is composed of a Cu-rich dot-like phase and a Fe-rich region. The aging alloy is further strengthened by a L12-Ni3(AlTi) nanoprecipitates, achieving excellent yield strength (1185 MPa) and uniform ductility (∼8.8%). The differential distribution of the L12 nanoprecipitate in the striped Cu-rich region and the external Fe-rich region increased the strength difference between these two regions, which increased the strain gradient and thus improved hetero-deformation induced (HDI) hardening. This work provides a new route to improve the HDI hardening of Fe-Cu alloys.

Keywords

heterogeneous microstructure / precipitation strengthening / high-entropy alloy / phase separation / mechanical property

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Zheng-qin Wang, Ming-yu Fan, Yang Zhang, Jun-peng Li, Li-yuan Liu, Ji-hong Han, Xing-hao Li, Zhong-wu Zhang. A novel immiscible high entropy alloy strengthened via L12-nanoprecipitate. Journal of Central South University, 2024, 31(6): 1808‒1822 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5683-7

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