Microstructure and properties change in Al5+xCr12Fe35Mn28-xNi20 high entropy alloys

In the present study, a non-equiatomic AlCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) bearing cost-effective elements has been developed to enhance the strength by increasing the Al content. The HEAs were prepared by employing the arc melting technique. The microstructure of cast HEAs was studied by electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties were evaluated at room temperature. The results show that the latter duplex structure exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, 2.5 GPa at 50% strain. The measured ductility under the tensile stress of the duplex structure was considerably low. This is attributed to the various stress states in compression and tension, the phase structures, and the induced deformation mechanism in the studied HEAs.