Microstructure and mechanical properties of RexNbMoTaW high-entropy alloys prepared by arc melting using metal powders

A series of refractory RexNbMoTaW high entropy alloys were developed with the addition of Re into the NbMoTaW alloy. The RexNbMoTaW alloys are composed of body-centered cubic (BCC) matrix phase and particle phase and could maintain the phase structure up to their melting points. All the alloys possess precipitations due to the higher surface energy in powders raw material than rods. The proper addition of Re could improve both the strength and ductility of the alloys, and Re0.5NbMoTaW alloy exhibits the best mechanical properties. As the Re addition increases from 0 to 0.5, the yield strength of the alloys is improved from 1058 MPa to 1147 MPa, while the room-temperature ductility increases from 2.6% to 7.0%.