Microstructure and properties of titanium matrix composites reinforced by AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy

This study investigated the impact of various sintering temperatures on the microstructure and performance of titanium matrix composites (TMCs) reinforced with high-entropy alloy (HEA) particles. The results indicated that at 1000 °C, a Ti, Co, Fe, and Ni-rich solid solution is formed inside HEA, and Al and Cr elements diffuse into the matrix; at 1050 °C, HEA undergoes intense diffusion and a large number of Ti 3 Al phases are formed in the matrix. As the sintering temperature increased, the microhardness, tensile strength, and elongation of TMCs initially rose and then declined. At 1000 °C, the microhardness, tensile strength, and elongation attained their peak values of 306.8 HV 0.05 , 832.0 MPa, and 16.1%, respectively. Compared to TMCs reinforced with ceramic particles, TMCs reinforced by HEA particles exhibit enhanced strength while maintaining excellent plasticity. This improvement is primarily achieved through mechanisms such as grain refinement, load-bearing strengthening, and dislocation strengthening.