Mechanical and Electrical Properties of High Entropy Materials

Abstract

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are promising materials in materials engineering due to their excellent phase stability and mechanical properties. However, strength and ductility synergy are challenging research for various structural applications. To achieve this, various strengthening mechanisms, such as severe plastic deformation and secondary phase strengthening, are promising to tune the phase composition and microstructural characteristics. For instance, developing a heterogeneous structure composed of soft face-centered cubic (FCC) and hard body-centered cubic (BCC) phases, a eutectic lamellar structure consisting of intermetallic leaves, and FCC phases to achieve high strength-ductility. Moreover, post-heat treatment for the cast and sintered products is also an effective method to control the microstructure and phase, thereby balancing the strength-ductility synergy. Apart from promising mechanical properties, HEAs also show interesting electronic properties that are essential for various functional applications including catalysis, thermoelectric, and superconductivity. This chapter discusses the effects of mixing entropy, lattice distortion, valance electron concentration, and crystal structure’s role on the electronic properties of HEAs. Therefore, detailed research is necessary for the understanding of the electronic properties of HEAs. © 2024 Anuj Kumar and Ram K. Gupta.