Progress in Light-weight High Entropy Alloys

Abstract

High entropy alloys (HEAs) possess good mechanical properties and a wide range of industrial applications. In this paper, phase formation prediction theory, microstructure, properties and preparation methods of light-weight HEAs (LWHEAs) were reviewed. The problems and challenges faced by LWHEAs development were analyzed. The results showed that many aspects are still weak and require investigation for future advanced alloys, such as clarification of the role of entropy in phase formation and properties of HEAs, improved definition and different generations division of HEAs, close-packed hexagonal (HCP) phase structure prediction and corresponding alloy design and fabrication. Finally, some suggestions were presented in this paper including in-depth research on formation mechanism of multi-component alloy phase and strengthening of large-scale HEA preparation methods via technology compounding and 3D printing technology. Also, there is a need for more research on the in-situ preparation of HEA coatings and films, as well as developing LWHEAs with superior strength and elevated temperature resistance or ultra-low temperature resistance to meet the requirements of future engineering applications.

Keywords

high entropy alloys (HEAs) / light-weight / microstructure

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