Carbon-containing multi-component thin films

High entropy alloys (HEAs) have been a hot research area for many years. They are solid solutions of at least five elements in approximately equimolar compositions. The HEAs are assumed to be stabilized by a high entropy of mixing favouring a solid solution phase instead of a mixture of intermetallic phases. The importance of entropy of mixing and the true nature of HEAs are debated but the concept has contributed to an interesting development of new alloys. They idea of stabilizing solid solutions with many elements have recently been expanded to nitrides, borides, oxides and carbides. Furthermore, a growing number of thin film studies of these compounds are now published. In this paper we summarise recent results from studies of carbon-containing multi-component thin films based on the HEA concept. We will summarise some general observations connected to “high-entropy” materials. We also describe some general trends in metal‑carbon interactions for transition metals and discuss how they should influence the formation of multi-component carbides. A summary of results on bulk multi-component carbide materials is also presented. We review published studies of carbon-containing multi-component thin films mainly deposited with magnetron-sputtering. The crystal structure, microstructure and properties of these films are described. Finally, we highlight some interesting topics for future research. •Summary of recent results from studies of carbon-containing multi-component thin films•Crystal structure, microstructure and properties of these films are discussed.•Background on “high-entropy” materials and trends in periodic table is given.•A summary of results on bulk multi-component carbide materials is presented.•Future research topics and directions are highlighted.