Abstract

The FCC-structured high entropy alloys (HEAs) possess exceptional ductility and fracture toughness, but they generally exhibit insufficient strength for engineering applications. In this work, a precipitation strengthening non-equimolar (FeCoNi)81Cr9Al8Ti1Nb1 HEA was fabricated via arc melting and subsequent two-step aging treatment. The microstructure, phase constitution and mechanical properties of this alloy during aging were investigated systematically. The results indicate that coherent γ′ and incoherent B2 are major precipitates for the alloy under the two-step aging. An excellent balanced tensile property is achieved at room temperature even with extensive B2 grain boundary coverage. Quantitative calculations of the individual strengthening effects demonstrate that particle (γ′) shearing mechanism is the predominant strengthening mechanism. The high work-hardening capability of the FCC matrix could greatly suppress the propagation of microcracks originated at these brittle B2 phases and promote a retention of ductility. In addition, this alloy exhibits outstanding high-temperature tensile properties up to 700 °C. It is attributed to the high thermal stability of the γ′ precipitates as well as the pinning effect of the grain-boundary B2 phases on the grain boundary. Present work will focus on optimizing of the alloy design of HEAs and the precipitation strengthening of HEAs for high-temperature structural applications.

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