Atomic origins of the plastic deformation micro-mechanisms of ?/?? FeCoNiAlTi high-entropy alloys

The gamma/gamma' FeCoNiAlTi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) break the strength-ductility trade-off and possess an excellent combination of strength and ductility. However, lack of atomic-level understanding of plastic deformation behaviors restricts the exploration of full capacities of the FeCoNiAlTi HEAs. By computing the generalized stacking fault energies (GSFEs) of the gamma and gamma' phases, the relationships between planar stacking faults and work-hardening capacities, and the effect of chemical concentration and grain orientation on the deformation mechanisms were explored in depth for the FeCoNiAlTi HEAs. Our results demonstrate that the multicomponent nature lowers the GSFEs of the matrix but enhances those of the precipitate to achieve the strength-ductility balance of the HEA. An active factor (epsilon) defined as gamma isf/gamma apb (gamma isf: intrinsic stacking fault energy, gamma apb: anti-phase boundary energy) was introduced to bridge activation of microbands (MBs) and planar stacking faults in the gamma/gamma' alloys. Tuning a suitable low epsilon around 0.2 is an efficient strategy for acquiring the extended MBs-induced plasticity. Analyzing the individual/synergetic contribution of the principal elements to the GSFEs-related properties, we find that increasing the amount of Co and Ti promotes the strength-ductility balance and facilitates the MB activation by altering the GSFEs of both gamma and gamma'. Based on our comprehensive analysis, it is concluded that raising the Co/Fe ratio or lowing the Al/Ti ratio benefits the achievement of the desired mechanical properties of the FeCoNiAlTi HEA.

Automated summary

This study explores the plastic deformation behaviors of FeCoNiAlTi high-entropy alloys by computing generalized stacking fault energies, revealing that the multicomponent nature and tuning a suitable active factor value can achieve a balance between strength and ductility. Increasing the amount of Co and Ti promotes the activation of microbands and improves mechanical properties. Adjusting the Co/Fe ratio or Al/Ti ratio contributes to the desired mechanical properties of the high-entropy alloys.