Synthesis, mechanical, and thermophysical properties of high‐entropy (Zr,Ti,Nb,Ta,Hf)C0.8 ceramic.

Two high‐entropy carbides, including stoichiometric (Zr,Ti,Nb,Ta,Hf)C and nonstoichiometric (Zr,Ti,Nb,Ta,Hf)C0.8, were prepared from monocarbides and ZrH2. Their sinterability, microstructures, mechanical properties, thermophysical properties, and oxidation behaviors were systematically compared. With the introduction of carbon vacancy, the sintering temperature was lowered up to 300°C, Vickers hardness was almost unaffected, whereas the strength decreased significantly generally due to the decrease of covalent bonds. The thermal conductivity shows a 50% decrease for nonstoichiometry high‐entropy carbide, which is a major consequence of the lower electrical conductivity. The oxidation resistance in high temperature water vapor was not sensitive to carbon stoichiometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]