J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2026, Vol. 256: 256-271.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2025.08.036

• Research Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Lightweight anomalous eutectic Al21Ti21V16Ni21Co21 high entropy alloy with superior thermal stability

Nadeem Fayaz Lonea, Babak Shalchi-Amirkhizb, Frank Czerwinskib,*, Daolun Chena   

  1. aDepartment of Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto ON M5B 2K3, Canada;
    bCanmetMATERIALS, Natural Resources Canada, Hamilton ON L8P 0A5, Canada
  • Received:2025-06-18 Revised:2025-08-31 Accepted:2025-08-31 Published:2026-06-10 Online:2025-09-09
  • Contact: *E-mail address: frank.czerwinski@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca (F. Czerwinski)

Abstract: A novel dual phase Al21Ti21V16Ni21Co21 lightweight high entropy alloy (LW-HEA) with a density of 6.19 g/cm3 was successfully synthesized by vacuum induction melting in a relatively large form of bulk 10 kg ingot, and its thermal stability was tested by exposures at temperatures up to 1100 °C. The as-cast alloy with an anomalous eutectic structure consisting of Ni-Co-Al-Ti-rich Heusler-like L21 phase and V-rich BCC phase with precipitates distributed in the latter, exhibited a hardness of 578 HV, yield stress, ultimate compressive stress and strain to failure of 1417 MPa, 2312 MPa, and 13.7 %, respectively. After heating, the alloy preserved both phases with their initial composition, general microstructural features, and showed nearly 100 % retention of initial mechanical properties. The excellent performance is attributed to the synergistic strengthening mechanisms including hetero-deformation induced strengthening and inhabitation of dislocation movement. The excellent strength of as-cast Al21Ti21V16Ni21Co21 alloy and the strength retention after thermal exposures show that its service temperature limit is superior to most HEAs and conventional superalloys developed for high-temperature applications.

Key words: Lightweighting, Thermal stability, High entropy alloys, Dual phase alloys