Effect of B4C particles addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10 high-entropy alloy

Highlights: • B₄C/Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ high-entropy alloy matrix composite is prepared by the arc-melting process. • B₄C particles can stabilize γ phase to form the single γ phase and effectively refine grain size. • Dispersively distributed B₄C nanoparticles can greatly strengthen the matrix. • B₄C/Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ composite possesses a better ability of wear friction than Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ matrix. High entropy alloy used as the metallic matrix of composites gives birth to a new family of composites. In this work, the effect of B₄C particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ high-entropy alloy matrix is systematically investigated. B₄C particles can stabilize austenite (γ) phase to form single γ phase and effectively refine grain size. Two different sizes and compositions of B₄C particles are formed in B₄C/Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ composite. The fine B₄C particles with the lower Cr contents can induce significant coherent strain and then strengthen the matrix, while the coarse B₄C particles with the higher Cr content can induce micro-crack at the B₄C/matrix interface due to the low interfacial metallurgical bonding. As compared to Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ matrix, B₄C/Fe₅₀Mn₃₀Co₁₀Cr₁₀ composite shows the higher tensile strength with the relative lower fracture strain. In addition, the composite possesses a better ability of wear friction than the matrix, revealing the oxidative wear and abrasive wear mechanism.