Scandium-Based Hexagonal-Closed Packed Multi-Component Alloys

Since their early development, High-Entropy Alloys have fueled the investigation of exotic metal combinations. Here, we present a strategy for the rational design of a library for multi-component alloys based on six hcp-structured metals. Seven five-and six-component equimolar alloys based on Co, Gd, Y, Sc, Ti and Zr were prepared via induction melting and characterized by PXRD, SEM-EDX and Vickers hardness. They all present ternary hexagonal phases (ScTiZr or GdScY) co-existing with one or more cubic phases and intermetallic compounds. Both ScTiZr and GdScY appear promising as the starting point for new single-phase High-Entropy Alloys families.