Diffuse electron scattering reveals kinetic frustration as origin of order in CoCrNi medium entropy alloy

Abstract

Equimolar CoCrNi is driven towards a long-range structure with transformation characteristics similar to that of a strain glass alloy due to the specific stoichiometry and applied aging conditions. This work illustrates the frustrated and kinetically arrested state of this alloy, which develops nano-size, single-phase, isostructural ordered domains at temperatures above 1273 K within a matrix of solid solution. Upon aging at lower temperatures, both atomistic simulation and TEM investigation demonstrate the chemical sensitivity of the matrix by localized symmetry changes which suppress any long-range transformation, mirroring the kinetics observed in strain-glass alloys. Careful quantification of experimental and simulated diffraction patterns from various aging conditions reveal the degree of order in CoCrNi to increase given longer aging times, with achievement of longer domain length scales only when subjected to temperatures below 873 K. This evidence indicates a kinetically constrained, chemically sensitive transition from a disordered fcc to a partially ordered, lower symmetry structure given adequate aging time and temperature. Magnetic effects on the transformation are dictated on the specific alloy stoichiometry and aging temperature, which act to amplify any effects of the glassy kinetics.