On the Surface Property–Oxidation Relationship in Refractory High‐Entropy Alloys

In this study, oxidation behavior in as‐cast polycrystalline HfNbTaTi3, HfNbTaTiZr, HfMoTaTiZr, and NbMoTaTiZr refractory high‐entropy alloys (RHEAs), and the amorphous form of NbMoTaTiZr RHEA, is investigated. Herein, the surfaces of samples undergoing static oxidation experiments at 700, 800, and 900 °C using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐Ray spectroscopy, X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐Ray diffraction are explored. In the corresponding findings, the presence of three different oxidation behaviors in the studied RHEAs is shown: formation of a non‐protective scale, powderization and pesting of the sample, and a distinct amorphous oxidation behavior compared to its polycrystalline counterpart. Notably, Nb appears to induce a detrimental effect on the oxidation properties of samples due to the high ratio of volume change between the oxide and the metal. In the current findings, it is also evidenced that Mo can cause catastrophic failure in RHEAs that lack a protective oxide layer. Overall, the results constitute a step forward in enhancing the understanding of oxidation behavior in RHEAs and developing novel oxidation‐resistant RHEAs.