Current status of research on the application of high-entropy alloys in the field of brazing

Abstract

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), a novel class of solid solution alloys, represent a significant advancement in materials science and engineering, substantially enriching the field of alloy research. These materials exhibit four core effects, i.e., the high-entropy effect, lattice distortion effect, sluggish diffusion effect, and cocktail effect, which contribute to their exceptional properties, including high strength, hardness, oxidation resistance, and radiation tolerance. These characteristics provide significant advantages in brazing technology. This paper provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and weldability associated with the four core effects of HEAs, reviews recent advancements in brazing using HEAs as base materials, and summarizes research on the use of HEAs in both homologous and heterologous joints. Furthermore, it outlines key research areas, including the design of HEA brazing systems based on first-principles calculations and high-throughput methods, simulation of HEA brazing behavior, and the study of intermetallic compound formation in HEA brazing joints. These efforts aim to advance the practical application of HEAs in engineering materials.