Achieving prominent high-temperature mechanical properties in a dual-phase high-entropy alloy: a synergy of deformation-induced twinning and martensite transformation

Dual-phase high-entropy alloys are renowned for their favorable balance of strength and ductility at ambient conditions. However, their mechanical properties, especially the associated deformation mechanisms at elevated temperatures, remain less explored. In this study, the AlCoCrFeTi0.5Ni2.5 HEA consisting of FCC (i.e., L12) and BCC (i.e., B2 + A2) phases was subjected to compressive test at elevated temperatures ranging from 500 to 800°C. The results demonstrate that this HEA exhibits excellent high-temperature mechanical properties up to 700°C, superior to most refractory HEAs and Inconel 718 superalloy. Notably, its yield strength surpasses 1000 MPa, with pronounced strain-hardening evident at 600°C. Upon reaching 700°C, despite strain-softening occurring at the late deformation stage, the yield strength remains above 900 MPa. Microstructural analysis of the sample deformed at 600°C indicates increased stacking faults and deformation twins in the FCC phase. Additionally, the BCC phase displays a high density of dislocation entanglements and nanoscale martensite lathes. It is revealed that the high-temperature twins in the FCC phase are triggered by the pre-existing local chemical ordered domains, while the martensitic laths in the BCC phase are activated via stress-induced phase transformation driven by stress concentration at the B2/A2 interface. The synergistic effect of multiple deformation mechanisms operating in both the FCC and BCC phases significantly enhances the strain-hardening capability, contributing to the remarkable mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. These findings provide valuable insights for developing dual-phase HEAs with outstanding mechanical properties over an extensive range of temperatures.