Production and characterization of samples with compositional gradients of precipitation-hardened high-entropy alloys

• Grant number: 23/09668-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Gil Coury
• Grantee: João Henrique Schiavon Mota
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02770-7 - Integrated Computational Materials Engineering ICME: applied to modeling, production, characterization and testing high entropy alloys, AP.PNGP.PI
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/18868-1 - Production and Characterization of Samples with Compositional Gradients of Precipitation-Hardened High-Entropy Alloys., BE.EP.DD

Abstract

The proposed project aims to develop methods for the production and characterization of samples with compositional-gradients of precipitation-hardened high-entropy alloys. The high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have a significant potential due to a miscellaneous of compositions possible, however the challenge is to explorer this potential in an efficient way. The goal of the project is to study large compositional fields of HEAs with a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice and L12 precipitates, using samples with compositional-gradients. The project seeks to select two compositions of interest based on proposed models, thermodynamics calculus, and literature review. These compositions will be produced experimentally and the compositional-gradient will be made through thermal treatment under vacuum. The resultant samples will be characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanohardness and analysis of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.Different conditions of thermal treatment will be applied to the samples to study the effect of precipitation hardening. The results will be analyzed and interpreted, considering the precipitation-hardening curves, phase formation and mechanical properties. In addition, an exchange opportunity is sought for the doctoral scholarship holder in order to carry out a more in-depth characterization of the alloys at a partner university.The project looks for the advance in the HEAs knowledge and to contribute with the development of new alloys with interesting properties. Studying large compositional fields and using samples with compositional-gradiente, intends to obtain valuable information regarding the mechanical properties and alloy behavior under different conditions, which can lead to significant advances in the metallurgy field and materials engineering. (AU)