LAUSR

Abstract A novel 3d transition metal high-entropy alloy, Al0.5CrCuNiV, was prepared by vacuum arc-melting. Its phase component, microstructure, and compressive properties in as-cast and as-homogenized conditions were investigated. The results show the Al0.5CrCuNiV alloys either in the as-cast or as-homogenized conditions mainly compose of one FCC, two BCC and one ordered B2 phases. The incorporation of the BCC phases significantly enhanced the yield and ultimate compressive strength up to 1763 and 2336 MPa in the as-cast condition, which is stronger than the most of the single FCC phase 3d transition metal high-entropy alloys. Moreover, in the present work, we uncovered the deterioration of the strength through homogenized treatment is due to the decreasing effect of solid solution strength stemming from the increasing Cu concentration in the FCC Cu-rich regions from 49.7 ± 1.1 at. % to 72.8 ± 6.4 at. %. Further, the elongation of the as-cast and as-homogenized alloys are 13.8% and 15.7%.