Elucidating the effect of cyclic closed-die forging technique on the electrochemical behavior of cost-effective Fe50−2xMn30Co10Cr10NixCux (x = 0, 5 at%) high-entropy alloys

Abstract

This study offers valuable insight into the effect of the cyclic closed-die forging (CCDF) technique on the electrochemical behavior of cost-effective single face-centered cubic (FCC)-structured Fe_50−2xMn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀Ni_xCu_x (x = 0, 5 at%) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution. Electrochemical experiments demonstrated that the high strains imposed during CCDF processing, along with the extremely fine grains, significantly improved the electrochemical performance of alloys. Additionally, the Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ alloy exhibited a lower corrosion current density value due to its more uniform distribution of equiaxed nanograins and the absence of Cu segregation phase. This, in turn, creates better conditions for the formation of passive films with superior protection behavior compared to the Fe₄₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀Ni₅Cu₅ alloy. These findings open new avenues for the exploration of cost-effective nanostructured HEAs in electrochemical applications.