Controllable fabrication of a carbide-containing FeCoCrNiMn high-entropy alloy: microstructure and mechanical properties

Previous studies have reported that high carbon contents in FeCoCrNiMn high-entropy alloys lead to the precipitation of carbides from the alloys. Typically, carbides are used to improve the strength of alloys but also lead to decreased ductility. However, the strength and ductility of alloys can be improved when the shape, size and distribution of carbides are carefully controlled. Therefore, a carbide-containing FeCoCrNiMn alloy with 2 at.-% carbon was prepared by arc melting, and its microstructure and mechanical properties were further tuned by cold rolling with subsequent annealing treatment. The yield strength and uniform elongation of the resultant alloy were excellent, reaching 581 MPa and 25%, respectively, due to the additive combination of various strengthening mechanisms, such as solid-solution hardening, grain-boundary hardening and precipitation hardening.