Advances in Vacuum Arc Melting for High Entropy Alloys: A Review

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have drawn substantial attention in materials science because of their unique mix of features, which include great mechanical strength, resistance to corrosion, and stability at high temperatures. Vacuum arc melting (VAM) shows great potential as a technique for producing HEAs, providing precise control over composition and purity. The VAM process involves vaporizing multiple alloying elements in a vacuum environment and subsequently condensing them, enabling the synthesis of HEAs through careful selection and adjustment of alloying constituents, control of the melting process, and rapid solidification of the melt. The high vacuum environment minimizes contamination from reactive gases, ensuring the formation of clean and defect-free alloys. Moreover, the rapid solidification achievable through VAM promotes the formation of solid solution phases, leading to distinct microstructures characterized by improved properties. This paper highlights the importance of VAM in HEA research, emphasizing its crucial role as HEAs continue to advance in various industrial sectors. VAM, as a fabrication method, continues to offer promising opportunities for creating innovative materials with exceptional and unparalleled performance attributes.