Structure and mechanical properties of a light-weight AlNbTiV high entropy alloy

The crystal structure, microstructure, density, microhardness and mechanical properties of new AINbTiV high entropy alloy were examined. The alloy had coarse-grained single bcc phase structure with density of 5.59 g cm(-3) and hardness of 4315-4394 MPa. The compressive yield strength of the alloy gradually decreased from 1020 MPa at room temperature to 685 MPa at 800 degrees C, and then dropped to 158 MPa at 1000 degrees C. Specific yield strength of the alloy was found to be comparable with strength of multiphase refractory high entropy alloys. Effect of chemical composition on mechanical properties and potential ways to optimize composition are discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.