Microstructural Design for Improving Ductility of An Initially Brittle Refractory High Entropy Alloy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) typically have a B2 + BCC microstructure.
• These alloys exhibit high yield strength but poor room temperature ductility.
• The continuous B2 phase matrix limits engineering applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer RHEAs with an inverted BCC + B2 microstructure.
• To improve room temperature ductility while maintaining high yield strength.

Main Methods:

• Microstructural engineering of RHEAs.
• Fabrication of alloys with a continuous BCC matrix and discrete B2 precipitates.

Main Results:

• Achieved an inverted BCC + B2 microstructure.
• Demonstrated improved room temperature compressive ductility.
• Maintained high yield strength at room and elevated temperatures.

Conclusions:

• The novel microstructure overcomes the ductility limitations of traditional RHEAs.
• This microstructural design expands the engineering potential of RHEAs.
• The study offers a new strategy for developing advanced high-performance alloys.