Metallurgical Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering

The influence of mechanical deformation processes on the homogenization of the FeCoCrNiC high-entropy alloy

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Amir Seifoddini
Associate professor; Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
10.22076/me.2024.2038976.1415
Abstract
This study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast high-entropy alloy FeCoCrNiC. The alloy was subjected to hot rolling at 1000°C and 1100°C, followed by homogenization at 1000°C for 5 hours between each rolling pass. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was employed to identify the phases present, while optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine microstructural changes. Microhardness testing was conducted to evaluate mechanical properties. The as-cast alloy exhibited a non-homogeneous, three-phase microstructure consisting of an FCC matrix, chromium-rich BCC regions, and graphite. This resulted in significant variations in hardness across different phases. To address this issue, a series of thermomechanical treatments were performed. The results showed that after thermomechanical processing, the graphite particles were dispersed and partially dissolved, leading to a reduction in their quantity and a more homogeneous microstructure. Consequently, the hardness values became more uniform.

Keywords: High-entropy alloy, thermomechanical processing, homogenization, microstructure, microhardness.
Keywords
High-entropy alloy
thermomechanical processing
homogenization
microstructure
microhardness
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Metallurgical Engineering
Volume 28, Issue 2
Summer 2025
Pages 99-107

  • Receive Date 18 August 2024
  • Revise Date 25 September 2025
  • Accept Date 19 August 2024