Influence of CrCuFeMnNi high entropy alloy particle on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aerospace-grade aluminum 7075 metal-metal composite

Abstract

This study investigates the formation of nano-crystalline CrCuFeMnNi high entropy alloy particles and influence on aluminum 7075 matrix. The mechanical alloying process successfully synthesized HEA particles with nearly equiatomic composition and excellent chemical homogeneity. To fabricate the HEA-based aluminum composite, a novel casting technique combining a modified bottom pouring stir casting furnace integrated with a mechanical supersonic vibrator and squeeze infiltration setup was employed. Optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, BSE, and EBSD techniques confirmed the uniform distribution of HEA particles within AA7075 matrix. Notably, the AA7075-15wt.% HEAp composite exhibited a significantly finer grain size compared to the AA7075-5wt.% and 10wt.% HEAp composites. The mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile and yield strength, flexural strength, and impact strength of the AA7075-HEAp composite were investigated.