Microstructure and Characterization of Mechanically Alloyed Equiatomic AlCuCrFeMnW High Entropy Alloy

Abstract Traditional alloys are based on one or two major principal elements. High entropy alloys (HEAs) are equiatomic multicomponent alloys, where in configurational entropy increases and hence the simple solid solution is acquired. It has been reported that these alloys commonly have superior properties, such as high temperature strength, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and wear resistance, as compared to conventional alloys. Present study describes the synthesis and preliminary characterization of a novel nanocrystalline equiatomic AlCuCrFeMnW high entropy alloy prepared via mechanical alloying. The effect of milling duration on phase and structure evolution has been investigated. Two phase mixture (BCC and FCC) were obtained after 20 hr of mechanical alloying. The average crystallite size was measured as ∼ 17 nm after 20 hours of milling. Phase and thermodynamical properties has been correlated in case of equiatomic AlCuCrFeMnW high entropy alloy.