Abstract

A precipitation strengthenable high entropy alloy (HEA), Al0.3CoCrFeNi, was processed via laser-based additive manufacturing (AM), using the laser engineered net shaping (LENS) process. The as LENS processed HEA exhibited twice the tensile yield strength, as compared to the conventionally arc-melted and solution treated HEA of the same composition, with a tensile ductility greater than 20%. Subsequent heat-treatments of the AM HEA alloy led to further enhancement of the yield strength while maintaining good tensile ductility. The microstructure of these AM alloys was investigated by coupling transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). The near doubling of the yield strength in case of the as AM processed HEA samples, which were devoid of second phase intermetallic precipitates, has been rationalized based on the formation of nanometer-scale Al–Ni rich solute clusters due to the re-heating of the deposited layers during AM. The enhanced yield strength due to these solute clusters has been estimated using a simple cluster-dislocation interaction model involving the coherency strain fields of these nano-clusters. The even higher yield strength in case of the heat-treated AM HEA samples has been quantitatively rationalized employing precipitation strengthening models, based on nanometer scale L12 (gamma prime) precipitates.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.