Investigation of microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of FeCrCuMnNi multiphase high entropy alloy during recrystallization

FeCrCuMnNi multiphase high entropy alloy was cold-rolled to 85% reduction and annealed at different temperatures. Recrystallization behavior of the alloy was investigated using XRD, SEM-EBSD, hardness, microhardness, and tensile tests. The results revealed variation in phase distribution due to annealing and earlier recrystallization of the FCC1 phase. Recrystallization of FCC1 and FCC2 phases initiated at 873 and 1073 K, respectively, and a fully recrystallized microstructure was seen after 1273 K. Deformation texture components eliminated slowly with increase in annealing temperature, and D and Cube components formed as a result of recrystallization. Faster decrease in FCC1 microhardness was seen due to earlier recrystallization. In addition, an excellent combination of strength and elongation was achieved in the partially recrystallized samples compared to conventional alloys. The strength was affected more after annealing at temperatures higher than 1073 K. Fracture behavior of FCC2 phase changed from a brittle fracture to a ductile fracture with increase in annealing temperature; however, FCC1 phase revealed a ductile fracture even at low annealing temperatures.