Microstructure, thermodynamics and compressive properties of AlCrCuNiZr_x (x = 0,1) high-entropy alloys

Two high-entropy alloys (HEAs), AlCrCuNiZr_x (x = 0,1), were prepared by arc melting. The AlCrCuNi alloy consists of a face centered cubic (FCC) phase, a body centered cubic (BCC) phase and an eutectic phase, while the AlCrCuNiZr alloy contains a FCC phase, a BCC phase and an intermetallic phase. The traditional thermodynamic parameters of HEAs were converted into thermodynamic-parameter-functions of composition variable x, including ΔG_mix(x), ΔH_mix(x), ΔS_mix(x), Ω(x), δ(x),Δχ(x) and VEC(x). The thermodynamic-parameter-curves could be obtained through thermodynamic-parameter-functions via Matlab. The thermodynamics of the two alloys were analysed using the thermodynamic-parameter-curves of the AlCrCuNiZr_x (x∈[0 1]) alloys. The addition of Zr to AlCrCuNiZr favours the formation of intermetallic compound, enhances the yield strength, compressive strength and Vickers hardness, but degrades ultimate strain.