Development of Novel Lightweight Al-Rich Quinary Medium-Entropy Alloys with High Strength and Ductility

Most high-entropy alloys and medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) possess outstanding mechanical properties. In this study, a series of lightweight nonequiatomic Al-50-Ti-Cr-Mn-V MEAs with a dual phase were produced through arc melting and drop casting. These cast alloys were composed of body-centered cubic and face-centered cubic phases. The density of all investigated MEAs was less than 5 g/cm(3) in order to meet energy and transportation industry requirements. The effect of each element on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of these MEAs was investigated. All the MEAs demonstrated outstanding compressive strength, with no fractures observed after a compressive strain of 20%. Following the fine-tuning of the alloy composition, the Al50Ti20Cr10Mn15V5 MEA exhibited the most compressive strength (similar to 1800 MPa) and ductility (similar to 34%). A significant improvement in the mechanical compressive properties was achieved (strength of similar to 2000 MPa, strain of similar to 40%) after annealing (at 1000 degrees C for 0.5 h) and oil-quenching. With its extremely high specific compressive strength (452 MPa.g/cm(3)) and ductility, the lightweight Al50Ti20Cr10Mn15V5 MEA demonstrates good potential for energy or transportation applications in the future.

Automated summary

Most high-entropy alloys and medium-entropy alloys exhibit excellent mechanical properties. In this study, lightweight nonequiatomic Al-50-Ti-Cr-Mn-V MEAs with a dual phase structure were prepared, showing outstanding compressive strength and ductility. Through alloy composition optimization and heat treatment, a significant improvement in compressive properties was achieved, making these MEAs promising for future energy or transportation applications.