The Influence of Multi-Stage Heat Treatments on the Deformation Behavior of Binder Jetting Additively Manufactured AlCoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy

This study investigates the mechanical failure of the AlCoCrFeNi alloy - one of the most versatile high-entropy alloys (HEAs). The undesired granular failure, a significant barrier to the alloy's adoption, was probed using macro-indentation loading. Employing indentation loading provides insight into the alloy’s response under a more complex uniaxial loading system. The HEA was investigated in its as-printed state and heat-treated state. The HEA was additively manufactured via the binder jetting production route. Different multi-stage heat-treatment temperatures were utilized to control the deformation response/behavior. The study investigated the deformation mechanisms that characterize the HEA’s failure and possible ways to tailor the alloy's deformation. The study reveals how various isothermal heat treatments contribute to the alloy’s hardness and how subgranular nano-features aid in controlling the alloy’s deformation. The study gave insight into treatments that can help to resist catastrophic failure in this HEA.