Effects of Cr and W in TiMoNb Refractory High Entropy Alloys

This study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing mechanically alloyed refractory high entropy alloys (RHEA) containing TiMoNb, Cr, W, and Cr + W. Analytical techniques including XRD, SEM, EDX, DTA, and TGA were employed to explore the influence of Cr and W on the alloys' structure, morphology, and thermal stability towards oxidation. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a single-phase bcc solid solution in TiMoNbCr, TiMoNbW, and TiMoNbCrW alloys. Crystallite size decreased as milling progressed, yielding average sizes of approximately 7.2 nm, 7.4 nm, and 9.7 nm, with lattice strains of 1.143%, 1.148%, and 1.15%, respectively. Both experimental and calculated values of lattice parameters converged to around 3.1685 ± 0.002 and 3.1791 ± 0.010 Å for all three alloys. The synergy of Cr and W in TiMoNb was observed for the first time, impacting dislocation density, hardness, and oxidation stability. TiMoNbCrW exhibited reduced dislocation density and the highest hardness (502 HV). TGA indicated enhanced oxidation resistance up to 400 °C for TiMoNbCrW compared to the most vulnerable TiMoNbCr alloy.