Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of AlCrFe2Ni2(MoNb)x high entropy alloys

Abstract

The AlCrFe2Ni2(MoNb)x multiphase high entropy alloys were designed, prepared and characterized. The synergistic effect of Mo and Nb alloying on microstructures and mechanical properties of AlCrFe2Ni2-based high entropy alloy were investigated. By synergistic alloying with Mo and Nb, the volume fraction of the BCC phase increased, and a novel Laves phase with hexagonal close-packed(HCP) structure was formed. With the increase of Mo and Nb content, the alloys dramatically transformed from equiaxed grain with multiple phases to dendrites with the spinodal decomposition structure of the A2 phase and B2 phase, as well as inter-dendrites with the eutectic structure of the FCC phase and Laves phase. Furthermore, the solidification behavior of the alloys varied considerably as the increase of Mo and Nb content. The coexisting solidification microstructure of the eutectic structure and spinodal decomposition structure in the AlCrFe2Ni2(MoNb)0.3, AlCrFe2Ni2(MoNb)0.5 and AlCrFe2Ni2(MoNb)0.7 alloys have hardly been observed in other HEAs. The increase of Mo and Nb elements tends to segregate in the front of the liquid–solid interface, which hinders the growth of the FCC phase and leads to the formation of fine rod-like morphology. The synergistic effect of the fine grain strengthening and the solid solution strengthening resulted in high yield strength and fracture strength of 878 MPa and 2830 MPa, maintaining high plastic strain of 43.7%. Further increasing the content of Mo and Nb would lead to the increase of brittle Laves phase, with the second phase strengthening becoming the dominant strengthening mechanism, resulting in an increase in yield strength to 1549 MPa and a decrease in plastic strain to 8.6%. The investigation results would provide a guide for strengthening the macroscopic mechanical properties of eutectic high entropy alloys through synergistic alloying effect.