Body-centered cubic high-entropy alloys: From processing to underlying deformation mechanisms

In 14 years, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have been among the most studied materials in the metallurgical field. The concept is attractive and offers the possibility to explore new materials and to revisit the basic concepts of metallurgy. Moreover, HEAs show interesting combinations of properties which are composition dependent and hence are related to the alloy structure. Among the studied HEAs, those with body-centered cubic (BCC) systems are particularly interesting as they mainly retain attractive mechanical properties and are candidates for structural applications under extreme conditions. The present manuscript provides an overview on single phase BCC high-entropy alloys with disordered structure. Analysis of the existing data from the available literature is performed and trends relative to the processing of such materials, but also to the mechanical behavior and underlying deformation mechanisms, are given, along with some critical view points and prospects.