Investigation of a novel CuFeNiTiV high entropy alloy on phase component, microstructure and mechanical properties

The phase components, microstructures, and compressive properties of a novel 3d transition metal high entropy alloy, CuFeNiTiV, in the as-cast condition were investigated. Thermodynamic simulations showed that the phases separation during solidification occurred in the order: (V, Fe) dendrites, Cu-rich phase, TiFeNi-like laves phase and (Ni, Ti)-rich phase. The simulation results were confirmed by determining the as-cast alloy's phase components using XRD, which mainly consisted of BCC and FCC phases. The BCC phase corresponded to (V, Fe)-rich dendrites, while the FCC phase contained a Ni(Ti, Fe)-like C15 Laves phase, a Cu-rich phase, and a (Ni, Ti)-rich FCC phase. An outstanding fracture strength of 2086 MPa was obtained in the as-cast alloy, which was attributed to the deformation resistance of both the major BCC phase and laves phase.