Phase evolution, microstructure and mechanical properties of equi-atomic substituted TiZrHfNiCu and TiZrHfNiCuM (M = Co, Nb) high-entropy alloys

In this study, alloys with composition of equi-atomic substituted TiZrHfNiCu, TiZrHfNiCuCo, and TiZrHfNiCuNb high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were produced by suction casting method. The effects of addition elements on phase composition, microstructure and mechanical behaviors of the HEA were studied. The suction casted Ti20Zr20Hf20Ni20Cu20 HEA exhibits single C14 Laves phase (MgZn2-type) with fine homogeneous microstructure. When Co or Nb elements are added, morphologies are slightly modulated toward well-developed dendritic microstructure, phase constitutions are significantly changed from single Laves phase to mixed multi-phases as well as mechanical properties are also altered with increased plasticity and high strength. It is believed that modulated mechanical properties are mainly ascribed to the change of phase constitution and crystalline structure, together with the microstructural characteristics. This clearly reveals that the selection and addition of supplementary elements based on the formation rule for HEAs play an important role on the evolution of phase, microstructural morphology and mechanical properties of Ti20Zr20Hf20Ni20Cu20 HEA.