Dynamic mechanical properties and σ precipitates strengthening of a NiCrFeCoMo0.2 high-entropy alloy additively manufactured by selective laser melting.

Dynamic mechanical properties of the selected laser melting (SLM)-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 high-entropy alloy (HEA) are further improved by controlling the molten pool structure and the generation of σ-phase precipitation particles. In this study, a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used for testing the dynamical mechanical properties of the quenched SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA specimens. Microstructure and volume fraction of the σ precipitates were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique. After heating to 800 ℃, holding for 8 h and water quenching, the molten pool boundary of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA disappear, and the ultimate compressive strength and the impact energy of specimens reach 1970 MPa and of 217.45 MJ·m−3, respectively. Due to the segregation of Mo elements in the molten-pool boundary of the as-build SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA, more σ precipitates tend to form at the residual molten pool boundary of the quenched SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA. The σ precipitates play key role in strengthening of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA. • Annealed SLM- NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA has larger ultimate compressive strength and the impact energy. • Lots of σ precipitates generate at the residual molten pool boundary. • Small angle neutron scattering technique is used to analyze the volume fraction of σ precipitates. • The σ precipitates play key role in strengthening of the SLM-NiCrFeCoMo 0.2 HEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]