Preparation of large-scale high-performance precipitation-hardening high-entropy alloys by rotary forging

The size of the Al0.5Cr0.9FeNi2.5V0.2 specimen, which is a high-performance coherent precipitation-hardening high-entropy alloy, is constrained by the deformation homogeneity required in its thermomechanical processing. In previously published works, cold rolling could only achieve small-sized thin sheet samples with a thickness of less than 4 mm, limiting its engineering applications. This study utilized the strain gradient generated by rotary forging, matching the mechanical characteristics of the hardcore and ductile surface of large-sized high-entropy alloy rods, achieving a diameter of up to 13.5 mm. The alloy exhibited consistent microstructure and mechanical properties comparable to small-sized samples. This work enhances the potential for manufacturing medium and small-sized high-performance HEA components, such as piston rods and armor-piercing projectiles.