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Origin of age softening in the refractory high-entropy alloys

Abstract:
Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) are emerging materials with potential for use under extreme conditions. As a newly developed material system, a comprehensive understanding of their long-term stability under potential service temperatures remains to be established. This study examined a titanium-vanadium-niobium-tantalum alloy, a promising RHEA known for its superior high-temperature strength and room-temperature ductility. Using a combination of advanced analytical microscopies, Calculation of Phase Diagrams (CALPHAD) software, and nanoindentation, we investigated the evolution of its microstructure and mechanical properties upon aging at 700°C. Trace interstitials such as oxygen and nitrogen, initially contributing to solid solution strengthening, promote phase segregation during thermal aging. As a result of the depletion of solute interstitials within the metal matrix, a progressive softening is observed in the alloy as a function of aging time. This study, therefore, underscores the need for a better control of impurities in future development and application of RHEAs.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1126/sciadv.adj1511

Authors


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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Materials
Oxford college:
Mansfield College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-9278-6463
More by this author
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-4255-1022
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Materials
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-0171-7404
More by this author
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-0216-3853


Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Journal:
Science Advances More from this journal
Volume:
9
Issue:
49
Article number:
eadj1511
Publication date:
2023-12-08
Acceptance date:
2023-11-07
DOI:
EISSN:
2375-2548


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1579094
Local pid:
pubs:1579094
Deposit date:
2023-12-13

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