Homogenizing optimization, microstructure and tensile properties evolution of CuCrFeNi2Mn0.5 alloy

Abstract

In this research, a central composite design of experiment has been carried out to investigate the homogenizing treatment of the low-cost CuCrFeNi2Mn0.5 alloy. For this purpose, the alloy was cast via the vacuum induction melting method and homogenized under different time/temperature conditions, according to experimental design. Finally, a model was developed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), determining the relationship between homogenizing parameters and segregation ratio values. According to the results obtained from the model, the best homogenization conditions yielding optimal segregation ratio (SR = 1) was heat treating at 1100OC for 17 h. Microstructural studies showed that the mentioned alloy maintained its phase stability after homogenization and had a single FCC phase solid solution. In addition, due to the necessity of quenching the high entropy alloy samples after long-time homogenization at high temperatures, it was shown that an effective factor contributing to the loss of mechanical properties of the homogenized sample is the tensile residual stresses on the surface upon quenching.

Keywords

• CuCrFeNi2Mn0.5 high entropy alloy
• Design of experiments
• Response surface methodology
• Process optimization
• Residual stress