Study on the Microstructure and Performance of Feconicrmn High-Entropy Alloy-Based Composites Reinforced by Nano-Al2o3 Particles

Abstract

The study aimed to prepare enhanced high-entropy alloy (HEA) based composite materials by incorporating nano-Al2O3 particles (wt.%=0-8) into FeCoNiCrMn HEA and investigate the doping effects of different levels of nano-Al2O3 particles. By adding 2wt.% of Al2O3, the compressive strength and yield strength of the material increased by 66% and 244%, respectively, compared to the single HEA, reaching values of 1656MPa and 423MPa. With a 4wt.% addition of nano-Al2O3, the compressive strength and yield strength improved to 1440MPa and 487MPa respectively, representing an increase of 44% and 290% compared to the single high-entropy alloy. When the Al2O3 addition was 2wt.%, the nano-hardness reached its highest value of 5790 MPa, while the elastic modulus was 230 GPa. However, at a 4wt.% addition, the elastic modulus reached its maximum at 265 GPa, showing only 35 GPa different from the 2wt.% addition. Overall, adding 2wt.% of Al2O3 resulted in a high-quality interface structure while simultaneously enhancing strength and toughness. The mechanical properties of the FeCoNiCrMn high-entropy alloy composite material can be enhanced by incorporating nano-Al2O3 particles, which contribute to strengthening mechanisms including Orowan strengthening, dislocation strengthening, Hall-Petch strengthening, and thermal mismatch strengthening.

Keywords: high-entropy alloys, Particle reinforcement, Strength and toughness, Mechanical properties