Can an amorphous crystallize into a high entropy alloy?

TL;DR

This paper proposes a thermodynamic method to identify amorphous alloys that can transform into high entropy alloys, aiming to develop tough, embrittlement-resistant materials with specific compositions.

Contribution

It introduces new parameters and a thermodynamic framework to predict amorphous-to-HEA transformations, providing guidelines for composition selection.

Findings

Seven compositions identified as candidates for amorphous to HEA transformation.

The approach suggests BMGs may not readily transform into HEAs.

Guidelines established for designing amorphous alloys with HEA characteristics.

Abstract

On the premise that amorphous-HEA composites could demonstrate high toughness and resistance to embrittlement akin to the phase separating glassy-solid solution composites, we develop a thermodynamics based approach to identify chemical compositions capable of undergoing the amorphous to HEA transformation. We introduce two new parameters called phase selection value (PSV) and molar volume dispersity parameter. Using this thermodynamic approach seven multi-component compositions were proposed and the general guidelines for identifying such compositions was established. The approach also reveals that BMGs may not be as such amenable to undergo an amorphous to HEA transformation.