Twinning Engineering of a CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy

Deformation-induced twinning has been a notable example of overcoming the strength/ductility trade-off dilemma as strengthening mechanism. By borrowing this concept from area TWIP steels, we designed thermomechanical treatment for CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy to improve its mechanical characteristics. We used pre-straining at 77 K introduce deformation-induced twins in microstructure alloy, and then recovered it by annealing 773 K, while avoiding recrystallization. The generated were retained after heat treatment, whilst partial recovery dislocations occurred. As result, room-temperature properties including strain hardening ability, improved substantially.