Review on the preparation methods and strengthening mechanisms of medium-entropy alloys with CoCrNi as the main focus

Medium-Entropy Alloy (MEA) is a new metal material with high strength, high hardness, high corrosion resistance and excellent high temperature properties. With its excellent performance makes it promising for a wide range of applications in the fields of aerospace, automotive, energy and biomedicine. In addition, the continuous breakthroughs in preparation process have promoted the development of MEA with unique appeal. So far, outstanding results have been achieved in the preparation technology of MEA, and the scientific field of improving the performance of MEA by adjusting the process technology has received much attention. No work has been reported specifically on MEA preparation methods and enhancement mechanisms, and a review is needed to summarize the current state of research in this area. In this paper, we review the research progress of MEA in both preparation process and strengthening mechanism, and introduce in detail the arc melting, induction melting and mechanical alloying and deposition methods with CoCrNi as the main focus, and analyze the advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the prospects and challenges for the development of optimally designed MEA are presented.