Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline high entropy alloy powder

Abstract

In the present study, non-equiatomic nanocrystalline high entropy alloys (Fe, Al, Cr, Mn, and Ni) powder was synthesized using a high-energy planetary ball mill. During milling, a small amount of powder was collected after a different interval of milling time (2 h, 5 h, 10 h, and 20 h). The milled powders after different milling times were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The crystallite size of the milled powder was calculated by analyzing XRD results using the Williamson-Hall method. XRD analysis exhibits that the crystallite size of 20 h milled powder particles is in the nano regime. Besides, lattice parameter, micro-strain and dislocation density of the milled powders were calculated. The melting point of milled powder was analyzed using DSC. The characterization of milled powder suggests the successful formation of nanocrystalline high entropy alloys powder using high-energy ball milling.