Aging behavior of a CuCr2Fe2NiMn high-entropy alloy

The effect of aging treatment on the hardness and microstructure of a CuCr2Fe2NiMn high-entropy alloy is investigated. The results show that the alloy exhibits a good high-temperature age hardening phenomenon and temper resistance. The aged alloy can obtain a peak hardness of 450 HV at 800 degrees C. Softening anneal occurs at 1100 degrees C. Age hardening is mainly attributed to the precipitation hardening of the rho phase and a more homogeneous microstructure, whereas the softening of the aged alloy may be related to the decomposition of the rho phase and Cu-rich FCC1 and to the coarsening of the FCC2 phase in the interden-drite regions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.