Influence of Molybdenum on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Ti20Ta20Nb20(ZrHf)20-xMox (Where: x=0, 5, 10, 15, 20) High Entropy Alloys

The presented work was focused on investigating the influence of the (hafnium and zirconium)/molybdenum ratio on the microstructure and properties of Ti20Ta20Nb20(ZrHf)(20)Mo--x(x) (where: x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 at.%) high entropy alloys in an as-cast state. The designed chemical composition was chosen due to possible future biomedical applications. Materials were obtained from elemental powders by vacuum arc melting technique. Phase analysis revealed the presence of dual body-centered cubic phases. X-ray diffraction showed the decrease of lattice parameters of both phases with increasing molybdenum concentration up to 10% of molybdenum and further increase of lattice parameters. The presence of two-phase matrix microstructure and hafnium and zirconium precipitates was proved by scanning and transmission electron microscopy observation. Mechanical property measurements revealed decreased micro- and nanohardness and reduced Young's modulus up to 10% of Mo content, and further increased up to 20% of molybdenum addition. Additionally, corrosion resistance measurements in Ringers' solution confirmed the high biomedical ability of studied alloys due to the presence of stable oxide layers.

Automated summary

This study investigated the influence of the (hafnium and zirconium)/molybdenum ratio on the microstructure and properties of Ti20Ta20Nb20(ZrHf)(20)Mo--x(x) (where: x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 at.%) high entropy alloys in an as-cast state. The results showed that the lattice parameters of the alloys decreased with increasing molybdenum concentration up to 10%, and then increased. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of a two-phase matrix microstructure and hafnium and zirconium precipitates. Mechanical property measurements revealed a decrease in hardness and Young's modulus up to 10% of Mo content, and then an increase up to 20% of molybdenum addition. Corrosion resistance measurements confirmed the high biomedical ability of the alloys.