Microstructure and Tensile Mechanical Behavior of a Single-Phase Fe35Mn10Cr20Ni35 High-Entropy Alloy

Abstract

A single-phase Fe35Mn10Cr20Ni35 (presented in at.%, unless otherwise stated) high-entropy alloy (HEA) was synthesized by an electric arc melting plus copper mold casting method. The microstructure was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The thermostability of the prepared alloy was examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical behavior was examined by a tensile test. The prepared Fe35Mn10Cr20Ni35 alloy possesses a simple FCC phase structure with excellent structural stability. This alloy has a good combination of strength and ductility. It is observed that the prepared HEAs, either in the as-cast state or in the as-homogenized state, have a considerably higher strain hardening exponent than common alloys during tensile deformation, and the deformation mechanism was determined to be that first dislocation slipping and then twinning support continuous plastic deformation.