A novel FeCoNiCr0.2Si0.2 high entropy alloy with an excellent balance of mechanical and soft magnetic properties

Abstract

Abstract A novel FeCoNiCr0.2Si0.2 (at. %, thereafter, all mean atomic ratios) high-entropy alloy (HEA) was synthesized. The as-cast HEA exhibits a combination of excellent mechanical and magnetic properties with a large plastic deformation of about 60% and low coercivity (Hc) of about 187.9 A/m, which are prominent in the HEAs reported so far. Based on the large plasticity, rolling and annealing were adopted as a strategy for improving magnetic and mechanical properties of the HEA. The process of rolling followed by annealing leads to the significant enhancement of the yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of alloy rolled at 773 K, increasing to 320 and 920 MPa respectively. Meanwhile the large plasticity and good soft magnetic properties remain. The enhancement mechanism of annealed after rolling was analyzed. Consequently, the optimal balance of magnetic and mechanical properties is achieved. The present work suggests a promising way to develop HEAs with a combination of excellent magnetic and mechanical properties.