Some Unique Aspects of Mechanical Behavior of Metastable Transformative High Entropy Alloys

This short review paper examines the uniqueness of metastable high entropy alloys (HEAs) that transform during plastic deformation. The linkages among alloy design induced metastablilty, processing induced high enthalpy states and evolving deformation micromechanisms are intriguing. One key aspect is the adaptive nature of deformation mechanisms because of activation of different micromechanisms during plasticity. This activation of deformation micromechanisms is attributed to transformation-induced plasticity in gamma-f.c.c. phase and the evolving nature of c/a ratio in the epsilon-h.c.p. phase during deformation. As a result, metastable HEAs have good strength-ductility synergy and exceptional fatigue strength.

Automated summary

This short review paper explores the uniqueness of metastable high entropy alloys (HEAs) that transform during plastic deformation, emphasizing the linkages among alloy design induced metastability, processing induced high enthalpy states, and evolving deformation mechanisms. The adaptive nature of deformation mechanisms and the activation of different micromechanisms during plasticity play a crucial role in the strength-ductility synergy and exceptional fatigue strength of metastable HEAs.