Dynamic mechanical properties and σ precipitates strengthening of a NiCrFeCoMo0.2 high-entropy alloy additively manufactured by selective laser melting

Dynamic mechanical properties of the selected laser melting (SLM)-NiCrFeCoMo0.2 high-entropy alloy (HEA) are further improved by controlling the molten pool structure and the generation of sigma-phase precipitation particles. In this study, a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used for testing the dynamical mechanical properties of the quenched SLM-NiCrFeCoMo0.2 HEA specimens. Microstructure and volume fraction of the sigma precipitates were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique. After heating to 800 degrees C, holding for 8 h and water quenching, the molten pool boundary of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo0.2 HEA disappear, and the ultimate compressive strength and the impact energy of specimens reach 1970 MPa and of 217.45 MJ.m(-3), respectively. Due to the segregation of Mo elements in the molten-pool boundary of the as-build SLM-NiCrFeCoMo0.2 HEA, more s precipitates tend to form at the residual molten pool boundary of the quenched SLM-NiCrFeCoMo0.2 HEA. The s precipitates play key role in strengthening of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo0.2 HEA.

Automated summary

The dynamic mechanical properties of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo0.2 HEA are improved by controlling the molten pool structure and the generation of sigma-phase precipitation particles. After heat treatment and quenching, the compressive strength and impact energy of the specimens are increased. The precipitates play a key role in strengthening the HEA.