Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
11:17
Spark Plasma Sintering Apparatus Used for the Formation of Strontium Titanate Bicrystals
Published on: February 9, 2017
10.2K
Microstructural Stability and Densification Behavior of Cantor-Type High-Entropy Alloy Processed by Spark Plasma
Marcin Madej1, Beata Leszczyńska-Madej2, Anna Kopeć-Surzyn1
1Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicza Ave, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 16, 2025
Summary
Spark plasma sintering (SPS) optimized the densification of Cantor high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Optimal parameters yielded high strength, but grain growth occurred, challenging SPS assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Metallurgy
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- High-entropy alloys (HEAs), particularly the Cantor type (CoCrFeMnNi), serve as crucial model systems.
- Understanding the link between HEA composition, microstructure, and performance is vital for materials development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Cantor HEA powders consolidated via spark plasma sintering (SPS).
- To systematically study the effects of varying SPS temperature and dwell time on the alloy's characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Atomized Cantor alloy powders were consolidated using spark plasma sintering (SPS).
- Densification was assessed via Archimedes' measurements; mechanical properties were evaluated using Vickers hardness and compression tests.
- Microstructure and elemental distribution were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping.
Main Results:
- A non-linear relationship between sintering temperature and densification was observed, with peak densities at 1050 °C and 1100 °C for short dwell times.
- Grain growth occurred at higher temperatures and longer dwell times, contrary to expectations for SPS.
- All samples maintained a single-phase FCC structure with homogeneous elemental distribution; no phase segregation was detected.
Conclusions:
- SPS parameters significantly influence the densification and mechanical strength of Cantor HEAs.
- Optimal sintering conditions (e.g., 1050 °C, 1070 °C) enhance alloy strength through controlled grain cohesion.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between sintering kinetics, microstructure, and mechanical behavior in HEAs.
Related Concept Videos
02:37Metallic Solids
Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
02:18Network Covalent Solids
Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
02:14Combustion Energy: A Measure of Stability in Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
The low reactivity in alkanes can be attributed to the non-polar nature of C–C and C–H σ bonds. Alkanes, therefore, were initially termed as “paraffins,” derived from the Latin words: parum, meaning “too little,” and affinis, meaning “affinity.”
Alkanes undergo combustion in the presence of excess oxygen and high-temperature conditions to give carbon dioxide and water. A combustion reaction is the energy source in natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and...
Alkanes undergo combustion in the presence of excess oxygen and high-temperature conditions to give carbon dioxide and water. A combustion reaction is the energy source in natural gas, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and...
01:09Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes
In complexation reactions, metal cations are the electron pair acceptors, and the ligands are the electron pair donors. The stability of the metal complexes depends primarily on the complexing ability of the central metal ion and the nature of the ligands. Generally, the complexing ability of the metal ion depends on the size and charge of the ion. As the metal ion size increases, the stability of the metal complexes decreases, provided that the valency of the metal ion and the ligands remain...
01:24Stress Concentrations
Stress concentration is when stress intensifies near discontinuities such as holes or abrupt cross-sectional changes in a structural member. This localized stress can often surpass the average stress within the member. The stress distribution in flat bars, either with a circular hole or varying widths connected by fillets, can be determined experimentally using a photoelastic method. The results are based on ratios of geometric parameters like the ratio of the hole's radius to the smaller width...
01:17Steel Fastening Techniques
Steel sections can be joined together through various fastening techniques including riveting, bolting, and welding, each suitable for different structural requirements and conditions.
Rivets are cylindrical steel fasteners with a specially designed head. During application, rivets are heated until white-hot and then inserted through pre-drilled holes in the steel sections. A pneumatic hammer is used to shape the exposed end into a second head, securing the sections together.
Bolting is another...
Rivets are cylindrical steel fasteners with a specially designed head. During application, rivets are heated until white-hot and then inserted through pre-drilled holes in the steel sections. A pneumatic hammer is used to shape the exposed end into a second head, securing the sections together.
Bolting is another...