Manufacturing of high entropy alloys reinforced metallic matrix materials: Review and perspectives

High entropy alloys (HEAs) possess significant potentials as the reinforcement of light-weight metallic matrix composites (MMCs), due to their superior mechanical, functional properties as well as better interfacial compatibility with matrix. Here, we provide a critical review on the state-of-the-art for the manufacturing of HEAs-reinforced MMCs. The detailed fabrication processes of HEAs-reinforced MMCs including casting, laser forming, powder metallurgy, mechanical alloying and friction stir processing are reviewed, considering the fabrication parameters, microstructural evolutions, mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms. Additionally, interfacial diffusion behaviors, recrystallization behaviors, anti-corrosion properties of HEAs-reinforced MMCs and also the underlying mechanisms are reviewed and discussed. The development tendency is proposed, including investigate the applicable manufacturing process to fabricate HEAs-reinforced MMCs with comprehensive properties and establish the criteria between the HEAs-reinforcements systems and the process parameters.