Carbon stoichiometry and mechanical properties of high entropy carbides

The search for new materials via compositional exploration has recently led to the discovery of entropy stabilized and high ceramics. chemical diversity in cation sublattice ceramics many enhanced properties applications such as reversible energy storage, low temperature water splitting, amorphous-like thermal transport crystalline solids mechanical properties. This work describes synthesis (HfNbTaTiZr)Cx thin films a function carbon content. nature bonding microstructure evolves material transforms from metallic ceramic nanocomposite with variations quantity types carbon, yielding large film hardness. Through multiple characterization techniques first principles investigations, we separate roles characteristics property development films. study presents strategy establish bonding, structure, relationships chemically disordered ceramics, largely based on relative populations filled or empty antibonding states which there are abilities do so configurational systems that exhibit solubility diverse cations while retaining rocksalt structure.