Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Co21Cr22Cu22Fe21Ni14 Processed by High Pressure Torsion and Annealing

The strengthening mechanisms of Co21Cr22Cu22Fe21Ni14 multiple-principal element alloy processed by high pressure torsion (HPT) and annealing were examined. Two face-centered cubic (FCC) phases were observed in the as-cast alloy; one was a Cu-rich phase and the other was a Cu-lean one. In the HPT process, the microhardness increased from 190 HV to 470 HV at a strain of 157 due to strain hardening and grain refinement hardening. X-ray diffraction showed that the lattice parameters of the two FCC phases became closer to each other at higher HPT strain, indicating the alloying of Cu into the Cu-lean matrix. The HPT processed specimens were annealed at 500°C, 550°C, 600°C, and 650°C. The microhardness increased to 540 HV after annealing at temperatures lower than 650°C, whereas it decreased when the specimen was annealed at 650°C. The mean grain size of the specimens annealed at temperatures lower than 650°C was much smaller than 100 nm, and Cu-rich clusters with sizes ranging from 2 nm to 32 nm were distributed homogeneously. The reasons for the formation of the Cu-rich nano-clusters were discussed from a perspective of the positive mixing enthalpy of Cu in the alloy and thermalenergy for Cu diffusion at a given temperature. The dissolution and partitioning of two FCC phases played a key role in strengthening the Co21Cr22Cu22Fe21Ni14 system.