Tracer diffusion under a concentration gradient: A pathway for a consistent development of mobility databases in multicomponent alloys

Diffusion in the CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy is investigated using an augmented tracer / interdiffusion couple approach. The tracer diffusion coefficients are measured along the diffusion path developed between the Co17Cr20Fe20Mn20Ni23 and Co23Cr20Fe20Mn20Ni17 end-members allowing an elaboration of a consistent composition-dependent diffusion database. Both tracer and chemical concentration profiles are successfully reproduced to a tolerable level using a pair-diffusion model avoiding the reference element concept. Up-hill diffusion of Co in the experimental profile is not reproduced by the existing kinetic and thermodynamic databases. The reasons for this mismatch are discussed. The calculation of intrinsic and interdiffusion coefficients from the estimated tracer diffusion coefficients utilizing the thermodynamic parameters is demonstrated. The calculated values of the interdiffusion coefficients produced a reasonable match with the interdiffusion flux profiles developed in the multicomponent diffusion couple. The calculation of the va-cancy wind effect indicates its strong influence on several intrinsic cross diffusion coefficients. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.