Mapping the world of complex concentrated alloys

This work explores the mechanical properties of high entropy alloys (HEAs) and complex concentrated alloys (CCAs) by comparing them with commercially available engineering alloys including industry standard aerospace alloys. To reach this goal we have developed a materials database covering the main mechanical properties of HEAs and CCAs from the published literature. The database is used to represent various property spaces enabling an assessment of their performance for light weight structures and high-temperature structural applications. In addition, we illustrate the effects of alloying and of specific elements on the room temperature mechanical properties of HEAs and CCAs. With densities between titanium alloys and steels or nickel alloys, the best CCAs exceed commercial alloys in uniaxial loading and beam bending at room temperature. Where use temperature or cost excludes commercial alloys based on Mg, Al or Ti, the best CCAs also offer attractive specific yield strength in panel bending and specific stiffness for all loading conditions at room temperature. Many CCAs have superior structural properties at elevated temperatures. (C) 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.