Solid/liquid interaction between a multicomponent FeCrNiCoMnAl high entropy alloy and molten aluminum

Highlights: → The interfacial reaction between a high-entropy alloy and an Al melt was studied. The major findings obtained are as following. → The dissolution of Al into the HEA cause selective attack of the constituent phases. → A nanocrystalline layer and Al13Cr2 precipitation were found at the interface. → The structure and chemical composition of the solidified Al were also modified. - Abstract: This study investigates the interfacial reaction between an as-cast multicomponent FeCrNiCoMnAl high-entropy alloy (HEA) and an Al melt at 700 deg. C. The microstructure, phase identification, and chemical composition were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD). The results showed that the contact between the solid substrate and the Al melt resulted in the formation of a region with complicated microstructure at the interface. The dissolution of the substrate alloying elements into the Al melt also caused chemical composition and phase changes in the solidified Al crust.