Dual-Intermetallic FeCoNiSi High-Entropy Alloy Fabricated by Arc Melting: Insights into Deformation Behavior and Corrosion Resistance

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates a FeCoNiSi high-entropy alloy (HEA) produced via vacuum arc melting. The alloy exhibits a distinct dual-intermetallic microstructure, comprising orthorhombic Ni₂Si-type and cubic Fe₄Si₄-type phases, unlike the predominantly single-phase solid-solution structures reported for similar FeCoNi-based systems. Hot compression tests performed from 500–800 °C revealed a transition from brittle to ductile deformation, with dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurring at higher temperatures. Avrami analysis yielded exponents of n = 1.74 (at 700 °C) and n = 3.41 (at 800 °C), indicating that the DRX mechanism depends on temperature. Electrochemical tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl confirmed excellent corrosion resistance, evidenced by a low corrosion current density and spontaneous passivation. These results demonstrate the potential of FeCoNiSi HEAs for applications in high-temperature and corrosive environments.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Materials Forming
Volume 13, Issue 2
April 2026
Pages 23-34

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