Heat-treatment (Annealing) Effect on the Mechanical and Electrochemical Performance of a Synthesized AlCrFeMnNiV Equi-atomic High Entropy Alloy (HEA) via Arc-melting and Casting Technologies

Abstract

In this work, an equi-atomic AlCrFeMnNiV HEA was synthesized by means of arc-melting and casting processes. The casted alloy ingots were heat-treated (annealed) at temperatures of 400, 600 and 800 ºC, for 2 h. The effect of the heat-treatment temperature on the HEA microstructural evolution, compressive strength and corrosion behavior was investigated. Heat-treatment temperatures of 400 and 600 ºC resulted in increased micro-hardness properties that, at 800 ºC, were drastically reduced, although a good combination between strength and ductility was observed. HEA showed an extreme decrease in the current density (J (A/cm 2 )), after the heat-treatment, with a lower potential (V). The heat-treated HEA demonstrated a good corrosion rate in acidic conditions, as compared to that of nickel (Ni) based, titanium (Ti) alloys and stainless steel (SS) super alloys.