Novel high-entropy and medium-entropy stainless steels with enhanced mechanical and anti-corrosion properties

Novel high-entropy and medium-entropy stainless steels (MESS), containing a high amount of alloying elements, were designed and prepared by arc melting. These high-entropy and MESS possess a simple phase constitution, mainly solid solution phases, and noticeably exhibit excellent anti-corrosion properties in sulphuric acid. In particular, an austenitic Fe65Cr13Co4.75Mn4.75Mo4.75Ni4.75Cu3 (at.-%) alloy has a higher hardness of 182 HV and better corrosion resistance than those of the 00Cr19Ni14Mn2 austenitic stainless steel prepared under the same condition; a ferritic precipitation hardening Fe65Cr13Al3.167CO3.167Mn3.167Mo3.167Ni3.167 Ti3.167Cu3 (at.-%) alloy was also developed, with a higher hardness of 584 HV and even better corrosion resistance.