Solid-state Phase Transformations Research Articles

Formation and long-time exposure aging of oxides on Ni-Cr and Ni-Cr-X (X = Mo, W) alloys in acidic chloride solutions: Ramifications towards corrosion resistance

The passivation of Ni-22Cr, Ni-22Cr-6Mo, and Ni-22Cr-6Mo-3W (wt%) was characterized from 100 s to 10 days in 0.1 M NaCl in pH 4 at various potentials in the passive range. The influence of aqueous solution exposure time in NaCl (exposure aging), passivation potential, as well as Ni-Cr-X alloy composition (Mo or W) on passive film growth, composition, oxidation state, molecular identity, and inner versus outer film layering were investigated. Initial passive film formation was dominated by Ni(II). Cr(III) oxides and hydroxides tended to enrich upon formation and exposure aging. Corundum and rock salt are speculated to undergo a solid-state phase transformation to form NiCr2O4 at long times under certain conditions. The concept of the time-potential-transformation diagrams to describe the evolution of passive film phases and protectiveness is introduced. Factors limiting Cr(III) enrichment were discussed. Aliovalent Mo and W ions were detected in passive films, particularly after aging. The roles of Cr enrichment, Ni depletion, and Mo and/or W aliovalent cations after oxide aging towards protectiveness to passive and localized corrosion in chloride (Cl-) solutions were discussed.

Short study on mechanism of morphology change of γ′ precipitates in IN718 Plus

γ′ Ni3Al phase (L12 structure) strengthened superalloy has become an important strengthening phase in Ni based superalloys because of its excellent high-temperature service performance, and has been widely used. The process of γ′ phase precipitation has also received a lot of attention and research. However, most studies focused on its growth rate. There were few studies on the morphology transformation of γ′ phase, and the morphology transformation process is complex. The mechanism of γ′ phase transformation process was systematically analyzed in this paper. Firstly, through molecular dynamics calculation, the most stable morphology of the γ′ phase in the nickel matrix was obtained under ideal conditions. The stability of spherical precipitates is higher than that of cubic precipitates. When the temperature is greater than 800 K, the stability is more obvious.Then through the micro EDS analysis of the γ′ phase in the morphology transformation process, it was shown that the soft impingement phenomenon exists in the nickel base alloy with high γ′ phase volume fraction. Further, by the derivation of the formula of solid-state phase transformation, it was found that the growth rate of precipitate is directly proportional to the concentration gradient of Al in the matrix at the interface, while increases with the rising of the Al concentration in the matrix at the interface. Finally, the way and mechanism of soft impingement affecting the morphology transformation were analyzed. The precipitates formed by soft impingement are nearly cubic precipitates with rounded edges and corners.

Highly anisotropic Fe3C microflakes constructed by solid-state phase transformation for efficient microwave absorption

Soft magnetic materials with flake geometry can provide shape anisotropy for breaking the Snoek limit, which is promising for achieving high-frequency ferromagnetic resonances and microwave absorption properties. Here, two-dimensional (2D) Fe3C microflakes with crystal orientation are obtained by solid-state phase transformation assisted by electrochemical dealloying. The shape anisotropy can be further regulated by manipulating the thickness of 2D Fe3C microflakes under different isothermally quenching temperatures. Thus, the resonant frequency is adjusted effectively from 9.47 and 11.56 GHz under isothermal quenching from 700 °C to 550 °C. The imaginary part of the complex permeability can reach 0.9 at 11.56 GHz, and the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is −52.09 dB (15.85 GHz, 2.90 mm) with an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB≤−10 dB) of 2.55 GHz. This study provides insight into the preparation of high-frequency magnetic loss materials for obtaining high-performance microwave absorbers and achieves the preparation of functional materials from traditional structural materials.

Crystalline-amorphous-crystalline two-step phase transformation and the resulting supra-nano structure in a metastable iron-based alloy

In this work, we report a crystalline-amorphous-crystalline (CAC) two-step solid-state phase transformation (SSPT) in a 15Cr-2Ni iron-based alloy that results in nanostructures. Microstructurally, the CAC process leads to a localized supra-nano structure having almost equal content of an amorphous matrix and nanocrystalline inclusions less than 6 nm. Dynamically, it is manifested as a glass-transition-like variation of Young's modulus with a sharp surge in internal friction. Through in situ heating and Neutron Scattering experiments, a reduction in the intensities of the austenite diffraction peaks is observed, which is not associated with any intensity increase in other peaks, suggesting the collapse of austenite lattice during heating. The CAC two-step SSPT occurs at temperatures far below the melting point, and the introduction of the dislocations is the indispensable condition giving rise to such a transition. Based on experimental results, we suggest the physical picture of CAC two-step SSPT and a phenomenological model to describe it. Through the analysis, we argue that the CAC two-step SSPT provides a new route to fabricate nanostructured alloys.

Microstructural evolution of rapidly solidified hypoeutectic Al[sbnd]10Cu alloy during non-isothermal annealing transients induced by nano-second laser pulses

The evolution of characteristic nonequilibrium features presenting in morphologically distinct regions of rapid solidification (RS) microstructures in a hypoeutectic Al10Cu (atomic %) in response to non-isothermal annealing transients has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The capabilities of the Movie-Mode Dynamic TEM (MM-DTEM) instrument were used to expose select regions of the RS microstructure to sequences of rapid heating and cooling transients induced by nanosecond laser pulses while permitting in-situ observation. Partial melting, microstructural scale coarsening, morphological changes of the nonequilibrium features in the multi-phase RS microstructure, and solid-state phase transformation were observed. Heterogeneous nucleation of nanoscale θ-Al2Cu phase involved metastable supersaturated α-Al and the θ'-Al2Cu phases, establishing different sets of orientation relationships for the stable θ-Al2Cu and α-Al phases. Replacement of banded morphology grains that formed under conditions driven farthest from equilibrium by an equiaxed nanocrystalline structure comprised of α-Al phase, the primary solidification product, and an intergranular network of Al2Cu crystals has been attributed to local remelting. The experimental approach explored here permitted discovery of mechanistic details of location-specific transformation pathways activated in the multi-phase RS microstructure of hypoeutectic AlCu during subsequent nonisothermal transients.

Effect of thermal exposure on microstructure, orientation relationship, residual stress and failure mechanism of ultrasonic-assisted Kovar/SnSb10/Kovar joints

Thermal exposure is often accompanied by the accumulation of inhomogeneous element diffusion, continued solid-state phase transformation, and occurrence of residual stress, causing the failure of the joint directly. In this work, we focused on the orientation relationship (OR) alternation, residual stress distribution, and failure mechanism of the reflow/ultrasonic-assisted Kovar/SnSb10/Kovar joint after thermal exposure. Especially, the role of Ni element during thermal exposure was analyzed in detail. It was noticed that the thickness of interfacial intermetallic was merely lower than 4 μm, even after thermal exposure for 45 d. The interfacial ORs of IMC/Kovar, whether ultrasound was applied or not, changed to an incoherent state. However, it did not deteriorate the ultimate shear strength, which reached over 50 MPa even after thermal exposure at 160 °C for 45 d. Compared to the reflow process after thermal exposure, the joints with ultrasonic improves the strength by about 10%. However, it dramatically decreased to only 20 MPa after thermal exposure at 200 °C for 45 d. The rationale was that ultrasonic-induced supersaturated Ni elements in solder and the Ni elements from the Kovar alloy diffused into the IMC region simultaneously, forming the (Fe, Ni)Sn2 IMC layer with relatively high residual stress and acting as the fracture origin region. The current findings demonstrated that the Kovar/SnSb10 interface proposed outstanding microstructure stability and mechanical reliability and was a promising alternative for a more extensive range of high-temperature applications.

Processing and microstructure of a Cu-Al-Fe-Mn alloy via droplet-on-demand additive manufacturing

Control over the microstructure and properties of alloys produced via additive manufacturing (AM) is a key barrier that limits widespread industrial adoption. Herein we demonstrate that liquid metal jetting (LMJ), an emerging metal-AM technique, can address this need by controlling the microstructure evolution during printing of bronze alloy C95400 (Cu-Al-Fe-Mn). We probed several solid-state phase transformations upon cooling by printing single-tracks onto a heated baseplate ranging from 50 °C to 600 °C surface temperature, which led to significant variation in the α-Cu and δ-Fe phase distribution, grain morphology, and chemical distribution within the deposited single-tracks. The printed microstructures exhibited as much as 80% difference in α-Cu grain size and nearly 30 % difference in α-Cu phase fraction due to baseplate temperature variation, indicating a wide range of available microstructures and properties achievable. Greater than 92% dense multi-layer samples were fabricated with fine grain structure and 27–34% higher hardness values compared to the barstock in the as-printed condition, demonstrating the applicability of this printing approach for multi-layer part fabrication. Our results highlight a unique microstructure tailoring capability for metal-AM parts that can be leveraged by manufacturers and end-users of AM technologies.

Nanoscale constraints on the nucleation and evolution of granular zircon from reidite in impactites at the Chicxulub impact structure

Zircon with granular texture from hypervelocity impact structures can be used to estimate the thermodynamic conditions of impact processes, including pressure and temperature, and in some cases the timing of impact events via U-Pb geochronology. However, two disparate formation models have been proposed to explain the occurrence of zircon neoblasts that preserve systematic orientation relations; one involves zircon-reidite phase transformations (FRIGN zircon), whereas the other features melting and thermal dissociation of zircon in the absence of reidite. Distinguishing between these models is hampered by the lack of observational constraints on the intermediate transformation steps at nanoscale, and what processes give rise to observed systematic orientation relations among zircon neoblasts. Here we report new analyses of reidite-bearing and granular zircons from peak ring core samples of the Chicxulub impact structure using nanoscale methods. We describe lamellar and lense-like reidite habits associated with reidite twins in shocked zircon from impact melt-bearing breccia, along with the first observation of nanoscale zircon granules forming locally within preserved reidite lamellae. The crystallographic orientation of the zircon nano-granules matches the orientations predicted by the FRIGN zircon model, confirming they formed directly by solid-state reversion of reidite to zircon, and represent the earliest stages of the formation of granular zircon. Minor occurrences of baddeleyite at the interface of reidite and neoblastic zircon domains suggest that the reversion of reidite to zircon can occur together with local ZrSiO4 dissociation driven either by the loss of SiO2, which creates excess zirconia, or by local thermal dissociation of reidite. Other partially- and fully-granular zircon grains from the same impact melt-bearing breccia also preserve systematic orientation relationships among zircon neoblasts, consistent with having transformed directly from reidite. The observation that zircon neoblasts maintain systematic orientations from nanoscale to microscale in granular zircon supports the idea that neoblast orientations are encoded at the nucleation stage via solid state phase transformation. Observations in this study provide direct evidence to explain the nature of systematic high-pressure phase transitions involving zircon and have implications for unraveling the pressure-temperature history of zircon phase transitions in large impacts on Earth or other planetary bodies.

In Situ TEM Characterization and Modulation for Phase Engineering of Nanomaterials.

Solid-state phase transformation is an intriguing phenomenon in crystalline or noncrystalline solids due to the distinct physical and chemical properties that can be obtained and modified by phase engineering. Compared to bulk solids, nanomaterials exhibit enhanced capability for phase engineering due to their small sizes and high surface-to-volume ratios, facilitating various emerging applications. To establish a comprehensive atomistic understanding of phase engineering, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques have emerged as powerful tools, providing unprecedented atomic-resolution imaging, multiple characterization and stimulation mechanisms, and real-time integrations with various external fields. In this Review, we present a comprehensive overview of recent advances in in situ TEM studies to characterize and modulate nanomaterials for phase transformations under different stimuli, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, environmental, optical, and magnetic factors. We briefly introduce crystalline structures and polymorphism and then summarize phase stability and phase transformation models. The advanced experimental setups of in situ techniques are outlined and the advantages of in situ TEM phase engineering are highlighted, as demonstrated via several representative examples. Besides, the distinctive properties that can be obtained from in situ phase engineering are presented. Finally, current challenges and future research opportunities, along with their potential applications, are suggested.

Unraveling the origin of local chemical ordering in Fe-based solid-solutions

Local chemical ordering (LCO) can exert pronounced effects on both structural and functional properties, tailoring LCO domains at (sub-)nanoscale could offer an alternative material-design concept for yet unexplored performance. However, the origin of LCO remains an open question, making accurate manipulation of LCO extremely challenging. Here we selected the Fe-Ga magnetostrictive materials and demonstrated that LCO tetragonal structures play a significant role in optimizing the magnetostrictive properties. The “full-lifecycle”, including formation, evolution and dissolution of LCO, is concretely studied from the atomic-scale up by combined experimental and theoretical studies. The dynamic precipitation and dissolution processes of LCO L60 domains during isothermal aging are directly observed based on in-situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, and the corresponding mechanisms are revealed by first-principles calculation. Based on the results, we evidence that LCO domain is a frozen-intermediate-state of a kinetically-slow solid-state phase transformation leading to the formation of the long-range-ordered equilibrium phase with a face-center-cubic structure. We confirm the reversibility of LCO during cycling treatments. Our findings shed light on the origin of LCO in a range of material systems, and we discuss directions for developing materials with superior performance by manipulating LCO domains.

Stress Distribution of EH40 with Defects Considering Solid-State Phase Transformation

Residual stress of laser-welded marine steel EH40 was experimentally and numerically analyzed considering weld defects (collapse, hump, and unfitness) and solid-state phase transformation (SSPT). A double-cylindrical source model was used to simulate the temperature distribution. The mean prediction errors of the model without and with weld defects along the plate thickness were 9.2 and 3.5%. Based on the thermodynamics of SSPT, microstructure fractions were computed and verified by weld hardness test results. Under the effect of SSPT, residual stress changed from compressive stress to tensile stress with the increase of the distance from the weld center. Weld defects have an influence on the value of residual stress, and this effect was greater when SSPT was considered. The affected zone extended from the vicinity of weld defects to the whole weld. The variations of longitudinal residual stress (LRS) and transverse residual stress (TRS) caused by weld defects and SSPT both exceeded 150 MPa. LRS was mainly affected by the loss and increase of metal, while TRS was affected by the stress concentration caused by shape geometry changes. Thus, the influence of weld defects on TRS was greater than that on LRS. The proposed finite element model considering weld defects and SSPT can be used to accurately predict residual stress in laser welding of marine steel EH40 and provide a theoretical basis to reduce welding stress.

Laser powder bed fusion of crack-susceptible stainless maraging steel undergoing solid-state phase transformations

For alloys that experience solid-state phase transformation upon cooling, the absence of as-solidified chemical segregation information makes the elimination of hot cracking challenging. One such material is the hot-crack-susceptible high-strength maraging steel C465. Here, we resolve its hot cracking problem under the laser powder bed fusion process through the addition of titanium nitride (TiN) particles. During solidification, TiN promotes grain refinement and reduces the formation of liquid films with low solidus temperatures. Under cooling, the partial dissolution of TiN lowers the martensite start temperature and yields more retained austenite. Upon subsequent annealing, the dissolved titanium slows down the austenite reversion kinetics, while the dissolved nitrogen improves the yield strength. Materials under tensile deformation follow a three-stage work-hardening behavior, indicative of strain-induced martensitic transformations. This work highlights that besides the nucleant's grain refinement potency, the effect of its partial dissolution during processing needs to be critically examined, when addressing the hot cracking problem for alloys prone to phase transformations.

Solid-State Phase Transformation of Monohydrate and Anhydrous Form II of Sitagliptin Phosphate into a Novel Anhydrous Form IV – Solvent-Driven, Temperature-Induced and Stress Testings

The solid form landscape of sitagliptin phosphate was systematically evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), supported by a plethora of auxiliary analytical techniques. The preformulation experiments resulted in the transition of sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate into a new anhydrous form (designated as form IV), obtained after recrystallization from absolute ethanol. The anhydrous form IV remained stable under stressed conditions (1 month at 25 °C/60 %RH and 40 °C/75 %RH). On the other hand, thermal heating (dehydration) of sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate resulted in conversion into another anhydrous form II. Form II was found to be metastable, because after melting, under exposure at 40 °C/75 %RH for 1 month, or when dissolved in absolute ethanol converted to the stable anhydrous form IV of sitagliptin phosphate. A monotropic relationship was found between both studied anhydrous forms. Intrinsic dissolution tests revealed differences in the dissolution rates between the monohydrate and the anhydrous forms of sitagliptin phosphate. This research corrects the record with an accurate chemical composition of the anhydrous form IV of sitagliptin phosphate that was previously regarded as a hemiethanolate. In addition, the crystal structure of anhydrous form II of sitagliptin phosphate has been solved and reported for the first time.

Residual stress and microstructure control in welding of SA508 low alloy steel

Various types of solid-state phase transformation (SSPT) occur during the SA508 steel welding process, especially for multi-pass welding. The multiple thermal cycles lead to a more complex microstructure distribution and significantly influence the residual stress distribution. Therefore, to better control the microstructure and residual stress, it is necessary to optimize the process parameters which are closely related to the welding thermal cycles. This study established a thermo-mechanical-metallurgical multi-field coupling model and then validated it using X-ray and neutron diffraction residual stress measurement tests. Furthermore, the influence of welding heat input and preheating temperature on the formation of phase constituents and the ultimate residual stress field were analyzed in detail, concomitantly with a comprehensive discussion on their underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the increase of heat input expanded the domain occupied by the bainite phase, accompanied by the increase of compressive stress region. Moreover, the rise of preheating temperature promoted the bainite phase transformation, thus decreasing the longitudinal compressive stress and the stress gradient. The variation induced by welding parameters was closely related to the welding cooling rates. To obtain a full bainite and low residual stress condition of welded joint, it becomes imperative to exercise control over cooling rates, maintaining them at approximately 1.0 °C/s.

Quantitative hardness‐carbon content‐microstructure correlation in normalized plain carbon steel

AbstractComposition (carbon content) dependent critical structural evolution in correlation to hardness attained is judiciously investigated for plain carbon steel, the most widely used cost‐effective structural material, under normalizing treatment of industrial relevance involving non‐equilibrium still air cooling. The solid state phase transformation under non‐equilibrium still air cooling is conceived in terms of a logarithmic variation of eutectoid carbon content with the gross carbon content of steel in view of maintaining fixed maximum solubility of carbon in α‐iron with an assumption of the prevailing para‐equilibrium condition. Such a unique formulation for non‐equilibrium condition together with consideration of Hall–Petch type relationship and rule of mixture for two prime microconstituents (proeutectoid α‐ferrite and pearlite) finally results in a new mathematical relationship for chemical composition‐structure‐property correlation for the non‐equilibrium normalizing treatment readily practiced in industry. Indeed, a composition dependent structural refinement effect is established that is exemplified with the rise in hardness level in plain carbon steel under conventional normalizing treatment. Most importantly, the experimentally measured overall hardness values closely follow those obtained by the developed mathematical relationship, thereby meeting an ever‐needed requirement of direct determination of steel hardness of practical relevance from microstructural parameters.

Effect of organic acids on the solid-state polymorphic phase transformation of piracetam

Metastable polymorphs are frequently used in oral solid dosage forms to enhance the absorption of poorly water-soluble drug compounds. However, the solid phase transformation from the metastable polymorph to the thermodynamically stable polymorph during manufacturing or storage poses a major challenge for product development and quality control. Here, we report that low-content organic acids can exhibit distinct effects on the solid-state polymorphic phase transformation of piracetam (PCM), a nootropic drug used for memory enhancement. The addition of 1 mol% citric acid (CA) and tricarballylic acid (TA) can significantly inhibit the phase transformation of PCM Form I to Form II, while glutaric acid (GA) and adipic acid (AA) produce a minor effect. A molecular simulation shows that organic acid molecules can adsorb on the crystal surface of PCM Form I, thus slowing the movement of molecules from the metastable form to the stable form. Our study provides deeper insights into the mechanisms of solid-state polymorphic phase transformation of drugs in the presence of additives and facilitates opportunities for controlling the stability of metastable pharmaceuticals.

Laser re-melting of modified multimodal Cr3C2–NiCr coatings by HVOF: Effect on the microstructure and anticorrosion properties

Abstract Modified multimodal (MMP) Cr3C2–NiCr coatings were fabricated by high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying deposited on a CuCrZr alloy substrate. However, due to the lack of its inevitable porosity, an additional laser re-melting (LRM) approach is highly required to improve the coating performance. Therefore, the LRM technique is employed in this study to improve the microstructure properties of an MMP Cr3C2–NiCr coating by HVOF. Solid-state phase transformation from Cr3C2 to Cr7C3 occurred during the LRM process. After the LRM process, the coating exhibits the presence of Cr3C2 nanoparticles that serve as reinforcement. These nanoparticles demonstrate minimal lattice misfit and exhibit high stability throughout the LRM process. The surface of the coating undergoes modification, resulting in the formation of homogeneous nano (20–130 nm), micron (150 nm to 0.3 μm), and submicron (2–3 μm) Cr3C2 structures, along with high-density microstructures, after the LRM process. Nano-Cr3C2 particle reinforced with high total work function and incredibly increased corrosion rate significantly improves coating corrosion resistance. Overall, porosity decreased from 3.9% of the HVOF coating to 0.3% of the LRM. As a result, the current density of anticorrosion decreased from 33.7 to 4.35 µA·cm−2, and the Vickers microhardness average values ranged from 1,050 to 1,300 HV0.3, indicating improved microstructure development and related properties.

In-situ Selective Laser Heat Treatment for microstructural control of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

As-built Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Ti-6Al-4V typically exhibits a fully acicular α′-martensite microstructure, and requires post-process heat treatment in order to decompose the martensite and achieve sufficient ductility. In the present study, we demonstrate a simple concept based on in-situ Selective Laser Heat Treatment (SLHT) that can effectively alter the microstructure and activate the decomposition of the α′-martensite into a lamellar α+β microstructure within a short time scale (~30s). SLHT consists of multiple rescanning of the printed part, with low energy density, triggering solid-state phase transformations. Operando X-ray diffraction has been performed on cuboid and thin wall geometries, and was augmented by thermal finite element simulations. Upon SLHT, a gradual formation of the β phase as well as an α/α′peak narrowing trend have been evidenced through X-ray diffraction, as an indication of the diffusional nature of α′-martensite decomposition. Moreover, through fine tuning of the process parameters at the final stage of SLHT, a controlled temperature evolution during cooling was achieved, leading to preservation of the β phase, a product of the decomposition, down to room temperature. Complementary microstructural characterizations via EBSD, SEM, and TEM confirm the presence of a lamellar α+β microstructure after SLHT. Our results evidence, for the first time, the fast kinetics of α′-martensite decomposition under in-situ SLHT. The approach is meant to be implemented at selected locations during the LPBF process, avoiding time-consuming post processing steps, and leading to composite-like, architected microstructures.

In-situ phase transformation of silver oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in reduced graphene oxide (Ag/rGO) for direct electrochemical ammonia oxidation

Silver nanoparticle intercalated in graphene oxide substrate (Ag/GO400 and Ag/rGO400) was synthesized by electroplating and thermal methods for electrochemical oxidation of ammonia in dilute aqueous solutions. Electrochemical characterization, including voltammetry and Raman spectra, identified the solid-state phase transformation of silver, i.e., Ag(0)⇌ Ag(I)⇌ Ag(II), which were electron mediators for the conversion of ammonia to other nitrogen compounds, specifically dinitrogen. The electrochemical-chemical processes (EC) controlled the catalytic yields of N2 and NO3− in the applied potential regions of Ag2O and AgO formation, respectively. The intercalation of highly dispersed Ag nanoparticles/nanoclusters in lamellar sheets of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) enhanced the electrochemical reactivity, leading to the improved faradaic efficiency and N2 selectivity (SN2). GO reduction to rGO decreased surface oxygen content, thereby lowering the yield of nitrite and nitrate oxyanions on Ag/rGO400 than Ag and Ag/GO400 electrodes. Ag/rGO400 exhibited an ammonia removal efficiency of 97% and SN2 of 80% at + 1.0 V (vs. Hg/HgO, pH 11). The Ag/rGO400 anode, equipped with Cu(111)/Ni cathode in an asymmetric and undivided electrolyzer, was applied to treat real wastewater containing around 150 mg-N/L NH3. At an optimal anode to cathode number ratio of 2 to 2, SN2 was>90% in continuous flow mode, which confirmed the stability of the synthesized electrodes.

A novel complex-structure Co-free Cr-Fe-Ni-Al-Si-Ti-Cu high entropy alloy with outstanding mechanical properties in as-cast and cold-rolled states

In this paper, a novel Co-free CrFeNiAl0.28Si0.09Ti0.02Cu0.01 high entropy alloy (HEA) was designed and fabricated by casting. It is found that, this as-cast HEA has complex multi-phase microstructure including fine FCC sideplates with ultrafine wheathead-like substructures, as well as nano-precipitates in the fine BCC inter-sideplate regions. Further, it shows excellent comprehensive mechanical properties combining ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of over 1.2 GPa and plasticity of ~22% in as-cast state, while cold rolling with the reduction rate of 60% further increases UTS to ~1.7 GPa and maintain good plasticity. Moreover, it is found that the formation of FCC sideplates in this HEA in as-cast state is possibly resulted from solid-state phase transformation. Besides, dislocation and heterogeneous structure play important roles in mechanical properties of this HEA under different fabrication conditions. This work provides a novel route in the design of high-performance low-cost HEAs that could be fabricated in simple ways, which is beneficial for further application and development of this series of advanced materials.