CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloys by Laser Melting

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a blend of 5+ metallic elements that can form solid solution disordered structures. Two HEAs were synthesized using laser melting in an argon atmosphere. The relatively well-studied Al_0.5CoCrCuFeNi alloy was first produced to establish the feasibility of laser melting. Manganese was then substituted for copper to potentially lower both cost and density, producing a novel Al_0.5CoCrFeMnNi alloy system. These samples were analyzed with XRD, SEM, EDS, and Vickers microhardness to determine the effects of the manganese substitution, as well as the effects of laser melting in comparison to the more traditional arc melting.