Fabrication and mechanical properties of AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy particle reinforced Cu matrix composites

The AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy was prepared by mechanical alloying and the AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy reinforced Cu matrix composites were subsequently fabricated by powder metallurgy. The phase constituents and morphology of the alloying powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope, the microstructures of the Cu base composites were characterized by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, and the compression tests were made as well. The results show that the AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy can form after milling for 24 h. During sintering process, no grain growth occurs and no intermetallic phases present in the AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy in the Cu base composite. Compression tests show that the AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy has a better strengthening effect than metallic glasses and the yield strength of the Cu matrix composite reinforced with the AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy is close to the value predicted by the Voigt model based on the equal strain assumption. - Graphical abstract: AlCoNiCrFe HEA has a better strengthening effect than metallic glasses for particulate reinforced metal matrix composites. The yield strength of the Cu base composite reinforced with the AlCoNiCrFe HEA is close to the upper bound calculated by Voigt model. - Highlights: • AlCoNiCrFe high-entropy alloy was prepared by mechanical alloying. • A novel Cu base composite reinforced with AlCoNiCrFe was fabricated. • No grain growth and no intermetallic phase present in AlCoNiCrFe during sintering. • AlCoNiCrFe has a better strengthening effect than metallic glassy in composites