Pressure Influence on the AlCrFeNiMn/Graphite High Entropy Composite Microhardness

Abstract

During the last years, mechanical alloying technique for high entropy alloys (HEAs) has been more often approached due to the good homogenous chemical distribution and near net shape technology provided by the respectively process. A new composite material having the matrix as HEA reinforced with graphite particles was designed. The graphite particles addition in the high entropy matrix (AlCrFeNiMn) improves the particles weldability during mechanical alloying and assures a good creep behavior for the final product. The aim of this paper is to investigate the pressure influence on the microhardness as dependence of sintering parameters which can be reflected also on the microstructure. The high entropy composite was completely alloyed after 40 hours of milling. The obtained composite was pressed using different pressures values in order to investigate the pressure influence on the microhardness and microstructure. The samples were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-rays diffraction and microhardness tests. The microhardness values for all the samples were between 300 – 700 HV.