“ Review and perspective on additive manufacturing of refractory high entropy alloys”

Abstract

The development of Refractory High Entropy Alloys (RHEAs) for Additive Manufacturing has been advancing rapidly in recent years, buoyed by the triumph of RHEAs generated using traditional techniques in various applications. RHEAs, a recent category of materials possessing extraordinary high-temperature attributes, have only lately emerged. However, owing to their intricate microstructure, the production of RHEAs employing conventional methods such as casting and forging poses a challenge. On the other hand, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has exhibited significant potential for creating RHEAs due to its ability to generate intricate microstructures and complex geometries with minimal material wastage. The fundamentals of AM and RHEAs are introduced at the outset, in conjunction with the unique attributes of 3D-printed RHEA products, such as their enhanced strength and unique microstructure. The techniques for producing RHEA powders, including atomization and mechanical alloying, as well as the characteristics of the powder, are then elucidated. In this review article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of RHEAs produced using Additive Manufacturing (AM). We will examine the most innovative AM methods presently available for producing RHEAs, their microstructure, attributes, and potential applications.