Microstructure and properties of FexCrMnAlCu high-entropy alloy

Fe x CrMnAlCu ( x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) high-entropy alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting in this study. The effects of the element Fe on the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and wear behaviour of Fe x CrMnAlCu were evaluated. Results show that all Fe x CrMnAlCu consisted of dendrites (disordered BCC) and interdendritic (disordered FCC) structures. With an increase in Fe, uniformly distributed rod-like precipitates (Φ50 nm × 300 nm) rich in Al and Cu (ordered BCC) were formed in the dendrites; the volume fraction of the dendrites increased gradually, whereas the content of the interdendritic structures decreased. Through mechanical property testing, it was found that the content of precipitates significantly affected the strength and hardness of the Fe x CrMnAlCu.