Effect of Mn and V on structure and mechanical properties of high-entropy alloys based on CoCrFeNi system

Microstructure and mechanical properties of equimolar composition alloys FeCrCoNi, FeCrCoNiV, FeCrCoNiMn and FeCrCoNiMnV were studied in as-solidified and annealed conditions. The FeCrCoNi and FeCrCoNiMn alloys were single-phase FCC solid-solutions in both conditions. However, the FeCrCoNiV and FeCrCoNiMnV alloys consisted of the intermetallic σ-phase matrix with a tetragonal crystal lattice and precipitates of a disordered FCC phase. The crystal structures of these alloys were found to be not affected by annealing. A number of criteria were considered to explain phase composition of the studied alloys. It was shown that poor compatibility of V with other alloying elements caused significant distortions of FCC solid solution and thus promoted formation of the σ phase. Tensile and compressive properties of these alloys together with their microhardness were determined. Significant strengthening accompanied by the loss of ductility due to formation of the σ phase was demonstrated in the V containing alloys. The characteristics of the microstructure formation in the studied alloys were discussed.