Temperature-dependent elastic properties of high entropy ceramic (ZrTaNbTi)C from self-consistent quasi-harmonic approximation

Abstract

High-entropy ceramics have recently attracted considerable attentions because of excellent combination of exceptional properties. In this work, the temperature dependent elastic properties of (ZrTaNbTi)C have been systematically studied from the density functional perturbation theory combined with self-consistent quasi-harmonic approximation. High entropy ceramic (ZrTaNbTi)C is thermodynamically stable due to the negative formation enthalpy, and is also mechanically stable from the obtained elastic properties. The phonon dispersion relation computed at equilibrium volume contains no imaginary-frequency, implying the dynamical stability. At 0 K, (ZrTaNbTi)C possesses evidently high elastic moduli and hardness. The calculated electronic density of state and Bader charge at 0 K and 2000 K show that (ZrTaNbTi)C have covalent characteristics accompanied by ionic feature while the covalency decreases and the ionicity increases as temperature increases. The temperature-dependent elastic properties show that (ZrTaNbTi)C is mechanically stable in temperature range studied, and remains high strength and hardness at high temperature due to the slight softening of strong covalent bonding. Poisson's ratio, Pugh's ratio and Cauchy pressure suggest the higher brittle-ductile transformation trend as the temperature increases. Moreover, (ZrTaNbTi)C shows less anisotropy at higher temperature from the Zener index AZ and three-dimensional projections, being beneficial to reduce cracking and improve durability. The present study provides more insight into the high temperature behavior of mechanical properties, would be valuable for understanding and design of high-temperature properties of high entropy carbide ceramics.