Theoretical and experimental investigation of different phases in as cast equiatomic CrFeMoNbV alloys

Abstract

The present work aims to characterize an equiatomic CrFeMoNbV alloy synthesized by vacuum arc melting. Theoretical phase predictions using empirical calculations and JMatPro® simulations suggested the formation of BCC solid solution, Sigma and Laves phase. XRD analysis of as cast alloy revealed the formation of a major BCC phase with Fe2Nb type HCP Laves phase. Detailed microstructural and microchemical analysis using electron microscopy revealed the formation of Mo rich dendrites with BCC structure and Fe rich interdendrites with HCP crystal structure with similar lattice parameters as obtained from XRD analysis. Formation of Laves phase may be attributed to the presence of large sized Nb which increases the average d-orbital energy of the alloy.The present work aims to characterize an equiatomic CrFeMoNbV alloy synthesized by vacuum arc melting. Theoretical phase predictions using empirical calculations and JMatPro® simulations suggested the formation of BCC solid solution, Sigma and Laves phase. XRD analysis of as cast alloy revealed the formation of a major BCC phase with Fe2Nb type HCP Laves phase. Detailed microstructural and microchemical analysis using electron microscopy revealed the formation of Mo rich dendrites with BCC structure and Fe rich interdendrites with HCP crystal structure with similar lattice parameters as obtained from XRD analysis. Formation of Laves phase may be attributed to the presence of large sized Nb which increases the average d-orbital energy of the alloy.