Nature Communications (Aug 2024)

Lattice distortion enabling enhanced strength and plasticity in high entropy intermetallic alloy

  • H. Wang,
  • P. Y. Yang,
  • W. J. Zhao,
  • S. H. Ma,
  • J. H. Hou,
  • Q. F. He,
  • C. L. Wu,
  • H. A. Chen,
  • Q. Wang,
  • Q. Cheng,
  • B. S. Guo,
  • J. C. Qiao,
  • W. J. Lu,
  • S. J. Zhao,
  • X. D. Xu,
  • C. T. Liu,
  • Y. Liu,
  • C. W. Pao,
  • Y. Yang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51204-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Intermetallic alloys have traditionally been characterized by their inherent brittleness due to their lack of sufficient slip systems and absence of strain hardening. However, here we developed a single-phase B2 high-entropy intermetallic alloy that is both strong and plastic. Unlike conventional intermetallics, this high-entropy alloy features a highly distorted crystalline lattice with complex chemical order, leading to multiple slip systems and high flow stress. In addition, the alloy exhibits a dynamic hardening mechanism triggered by dislocation gliding that preserves its strength across a wide range of temperatures. As a result, this high-entropy intermetallic circumvents precipitous thermal softening, with extensive plastic flows even at high homologous temperatures, outperforming a variety of both body-centered cubic and B2 alloys. These findings reveal a promising direction for the development of intermetallic alloys with broad engineering applications.