Synthesis and Characterization of aluminium based multicomponent alloys

Abstract

In general, the traditional alloys are essentially based on the domination of a single principle element, such as the aluminium (Al)-base alloys, magnesium (Mg)-base alloys, iron (Fe)-base alloys, nickel (Ni)-base super alloys, etc. For the traditional lightweight alloys, such as the alloys of aluminum, the concentration of minor alloying elements added to the major element (Al) is typically less than or equal to [ ≤] five atomic percent. In this research paper, the intricacies specific to the development of aluminium-based multicomponent alloys as a viable option to engineer the development of advanced lightweight alloys is presented and adequately discussed. The alloys, Alx(LiMgCuZn)100-x were designed based on the multi-element alloying approach in which the concentration of each alloying element was either greater than or equal to [≥] five atomic percent, except for the element aluminum [70 atomic percent and 75 atomic percent]. The multicomponent alloys, Al70Li10Mg10Cu5Zn5 and Al75Li10Mg5Cu5Zn5, were synthesized using the technique of disintegrated melt deposition [DMD]. The calculated mixing entropy of the Al70Li10Mg10Cu5Zn5 alloy was > 1R [R is gas constant, 8.314 J/K mol], classifying it to be a medium entropy alloy (MEA). For the Al75Li10Mg5Cu5Zn5 alloy, the mixing entropy was less than 1R, classifying it to be a low entropy alloy (LEA). Characterization studies were carefully done on the as-synthesized multicomponent alloys. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the two alloys is presented and briefly discussed. Particular emphasis will be given to both examining and understanding microstructural evolution and the resultant influence of microstructure on mechanical properties of the engineered alloys. A comparison of the properties of the two alloys [Medium Entropy Alloy and Low Entropy Alloy] is highlighted.