Researchers have developed a new tool to predict how high-entropy alloys will behave under high-temperature oxidative environments, crucial for industries like aerospace and nuclear power. These alloys are multi-principal element alloys with complex combinations that aim to achieve strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion. Typically, these alloys are tested in a “cook-and-look” procedure to observe their response to high-temperature oxidation environments.
In a recent study published in Nature Communications, scientists at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and North Carolina State University combined atomic-scale experiments with theory to create a predictive tool for these high-entropy alloys. This tool offers a roadmap for designing oxidation-resistant complex metal alloys more rapidly.
Arun Devaraj, a co-principal investigator of the study, highlighted the importance of developing atomic-scale models for material degradation to design next-generation alloys with superior resistance to extreme environments. The goal is to identify medium- to high-entropy alloys with desired properties for applications in the aerospace and nuclear power industries.
The research team studied the degradation of a high-entropy alloy containing cobalt, chromium, iron, nickel, and manganese (CoCrFeNiMn). They found that chromium and manganese quickly migrate to the surface and form stable oxides, with iron and cobalt subsequently forming additional layers.
This advancement in predicting the behavior of high-entropy alloys under extreme environments opens up possibilities for developing new, more resilient alloys for future applications in demanding industries.
