Influence of W, Mo and Ti trace elements on the phase separation in Al8Co17Cr17Cu8Fe17Ni33 based high entropy alloy

Compositionally complex alloys, also called high entropy alloys, have been investigated for over a decade in view of different applications, but so far only a small number of alloys can be considered as presenting good enough properties for industrial application. The most common family of elements is Al–Co–Cr–Cu–Fe–Ni. The equiatomic alloy having 5 phases and being too brittle, the composition has been modified in order to improve the mechanical properties. Different compositions have been tested and as a first result ductile Al8Co17Cr17Cu8Fe17Ni33 has been chosen for deeper investigation. It shows a dendritic segregation into Co–Cr–Fe rich cores and Al–Cu–Ni rich interdendritic sites. The as-cast state is characterized mainly by two phases, namely Al–Cu–Ni rich precipitates of L12 structure inside a solid solution matrix. After homogenization both alloys consists of a single solid solution phase. Results are compared to calculations by ThermoCalc. In order to further improve the properties of the alloy the Cr content has been decreased and replaced by trace elements W, Mo and Ti, which, according to ThermoCalc, increase the melting point and the phase transition temperature which leads to the formation of the L12 phase. As-cast and heat treated samples of the base and the modified alloy have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and three dimensional atom probe. Results of the investigations will be discussed in terms of microstructure, hardness and coherence with Thermo Calc predictions. •Single phased after homogenization and grow a γ′ phase inside a solid solution matrix.•Mo, Ti and W have been added to form the Al8Co17Cr14Cu8Fe17Ni34.8W0.1Mo0.1Ti1•The microstructure is reflected in the microhardness.•The addition of W, Mo and Ti has stabilized the γ' phase.