Strengthening of high-entropy alloys via modulation of cryo-pre-straining-induced defects

Wei, D.*; Gong, W.   ; Wang, L.*; Tang, B.*; Kawasaki, Takuro   ; Harjo, S.   ; Kato, Hidemi*

Owing to their attractive structure and mechanical properties, high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) have attracted considerable research interest. The strength of HEAs/MEAs with a single face-centered cubic (FCC) phase, on the other hand, requires improvement. Therefore, in this study, we demonstrate a strategy for increasing the room-temperature strength of FCC-phase HEAs/MEAs by tuning cryo-pre-straining-induced crystal defects via the temperature-dependent stacking fault energy-regulated plasticity mechanism. Through neutron diffraction line profile analysis and electron microscope observation, the effect of the tuned defects on the tensile strength was clarified. This study discussed the possibility of developing single-phase high-performance HEAs by tuning pre-straining-induced crystal defects.