Lattice distortions and non-sluggish diffusion in BCC refractory high entropy alloys

TL;DR

This study investigates impurity diffusion in BCC refractory high-entropy alloys, revealing how lattice distortions and local atomic environments influence diffusion mechanisms, which is crucial for designing high-temperature materials.

Contribution

It combines experimental radiotracer diffusion measurements with neutron scattering and ab initio calculations to elucidate diffusion mechanisms and lattice distortions in BCC RHEAs, a novel integrated approach.

Findings

Co diffuses via interstitial mechanism with high speed

Lattice distortions correlate with impurity diffusion behavior

Insights enable targeted alloy design for high-temperature stability

Abstract

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) have emerged as promising candidates for extreme high-temperature applications, for example, in next-generation turbines and nuclear reactors. In such applications, atomic diffusion critically governs essential properties including creep resistance and microstructural stability. The present study systematically investigates impurity diffusion of Co, Mn, and Zn in single phase (BCC solid solution) HfTiZrNbTa and HfTiZrNbV RHEAs applying the radiotracer technique. A neutron total scattering technique is used to evaluate the pair distribution functions and element-specific lattice distortions in these alloys. \textit{Ab initio}-based calculations give access to lattice distortions and solubilities of the impurities under investigation, including the impact of short-range order. The diffusion results are discussed in relation to calculated substitutional and interstitial solution energies, local lattice distortions, and short-range order effects. Co diffusion is found to be dominated by the interstitial mechanism, exhibiting fast diffusion. These findings reveal important structure-property relationships between local atomic environments and diffusion kinetics in BCC RHEAs, providing critical insights for designing alloys with enhanced high-temperature performance through targeted control of impurity diffusion processes.