Scientific Achievement

• Researchers in the Damage Tolerance program found a unique yet distinct sequence of deformation mechanisms in two types of high-entropy alloys (HEAs), CrCoNi (fcc) and Nb_₄₅Ta_₂₅Ti_₁₅Hf_₁₅ (bcc) to explain their exceptional toughness from <20K to 1473K

Significance and Impact

• Understanding the origin of deformation mechanisms in HEAs has generated stronger and tougher structural materials, which are essential for the sustainable use of energy resources

Research Details

• Dislocation dissociation, transformation and twinning are induced in CrCoNi at cryogenic temperatures, whereas screw dislocations, twinning and kinking form in Nb₄₅Ta₂₅Ti₁₅Hf₁₅ at 77 to 1473 K. All mechanisms markedly that impart very high strength, toughness and damage tolerance

Publication Details

P. Kumar, D. Cook, W. Wang, P. Borges, A.M. Minor, M. Asta,  R.O. Ritchie, Matter  (2025).

DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2025.102042

Work was performed in the Molecular Foundry and NERSC.