A novel high-entropy alloy with a dendrite-composite microstructure and remarkable compression performance

In the present study, a novel dendrite-composite high-entropy alloy consisting of nano-structured interdendritic regions and coarse dendrites was successfully designed and prepared by arc-melting. Interestingly, the as-cast Al18Fe33.3Co23Ni23C2.7 (at. %) alloy exhibited a great combination of high compressive strength and strain. More importantly, the new material exhibited pronounced three-stage work-hardening behavior. It was found that deformation twinning in the interdendritic region is the dominant mechanism responsible for the multi-stage work-hardening, thereby leading to good compression behavior of the new material. The synergistic effects between the dendrite and interdendritic regions are also effective for improving the mechanical property of the alloy.