High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of an Equimolar Cr-Mn-Fe-Co High-Entropy Alloy

The oxidation behavior of an equimolar Cr-Mn-Fe-Co high-entropy alloy (HEA) processed by 3D laser printing was investigated at 700 °C and 900 °C. The oxidation kinetics of the alloy followed the parabolic rate law, and the oxidation rate constant increased with the rising of the temperature. Inward diffusion of oxygen and outward diffusion of cations took place during the high-temperature oxidation process. A spinel-type oxide was formed on the surface, and the thickness of the oxide layer increased with the rising of experimental temperature or time. The exfoliation of the oxide layer took place when the test was operated at 900 °C over 12 h. During oxidation tests, the matrix was propped open by oxides and was segmented into small pieces. The formation of loose structures had great effects on the high-temperature oxidation resistance of the HEA.