Spinodal Decomposition of B2‐phase and Formation of Cr‐Rich Nano‐precipitates in AlCoCrFeNi_2.1 Eutectic High‐Entropy Alloy

Abstract

Herein, the occurrence of a B2‐phase separation and formation of Cr‐rich nano‐precipitates during the solidification process of AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 eutectic high‐entropy alloy is addressed. Toward this end, various advanced characterizations, including high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography combined with thermodynamic calculations, are employed. The as‐solidified microstructure is composed of face‐centered cubic (FCC) dendrites and interdendritic regions consisting of a eutectic mixture of FCC and body‐centered cubic (BCC) phases. The presence of uniformly distributed Cr‐rich nano‐precipitates is traced through the BCC B2 phase in the interdendritic area. Regarding the occurrence of upward diffusion and Gibbs free energy variation, the formation of Cr‐rich nano‐precipitates is attributed to the spinodal decomposition where the critical temperature of 800 °C is passed behind during the solidification process. The formation of dense dislocation array in the interdendritic region due to thermal stress induced during solidification is introduced as a pathway for diffusion of alloying elements in the course of cooling stage.