NbTaV-(Ti,W) refractory high-entropy alloys: Experiments and modeling

This study reports the design and development of ductile and strong refractory single-phase high-entropy alloys (HEAs) for high temperature applications, based on NbTaV with addition of Ti and W. Assisted by CALPHAD modeling, a single body-centered cubic solid solution phase was experimentally confirmed in the as-cast ingots using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The observed elemental segregation in each alloy qualitatively agrees with CALPHAD prediction. The Vickers microhardnesses (and yield strengths) of the alloys are about 3 (and 3.5–4.4) times that those estimated from the rule of mixture. While NbTaTiVW shows an impressive yield strength of 1420 MPa with fracture strain of 20%, NbTaTiV exhibits exceptional compressive ductility at room temperature.