Microstructural evolution and mechanical characterization of a WC-reinforced CoCrFeNi HEA matrix composite

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are a relatively new class of material that have shown the potential to exhibit excellent combinations of mechanical properties. Various microstructural modifications have been explored to further enhance their mechanical properties for use in demanding structural applications. The main focus of the present work is an investigation of the effect of adding varying amounts of hard ceramic material (WC) to a tough HEA matrix (CoCrFeNi) by arc melting under an argon atmosphere, including microstructural changes, and evaluation of the WC additions on mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction analysis of the HEA-WC composites showed the presence of both fcc and carbide phases. Scanning electron microscope investigations, including energy dispersive spectroscopy, reveal that chromium diffuses from the matrix and interacts with WC to form an alloyed carbide phase. The amount of alloyed carbide was found to increase with increasing amount of WC addition to the HEA matrix. Mechanical characterization revealed that hardness and yield strength of the HEA-WC composites increase with increasing amount of the carbide phase in the matrix. The hardness of HEA-20wt.% WC sample was found to be as high as 3.3 times (593 HV) the hardness of the base HEA (180 HV), while the yield strength increased from 278 MPa for the base HEA to 1098 MPa for the CoCrFeNi-20 wt.% WC composite. The investigated composites also showed excellent values of ductility (~ 50% strain for CoCrFeNi-10 wt% WC and ~ 20% strain for CoCrFeNi-20 wt% WC). It is therefore believed that ceramic-reinforced high entropy matrix composites have the potential to provide outstanding combinations of mechanical properties for demanding structural applications.