Abstract Scope |
High entropy alloys (HEAs) enable the design of highly saturated solid solutions, offering structured microenvironments where precipitates form at specific defect sites determined by local energy landscapes. This creates an opportunity to control the sequence and kinetics of precipitation by tuning defect distribution and density. However, realizing this control requires a fundamental understanding of nucleation, growth, recovery, and recrystallization processes within chemically complex matrices.
In this work, we investigate a model HEA comprising Al, Co, Cr, Fe, and Ni using a combination of in situ and ex situ techniques. Our study reveals how early-stage dislocation recovery interacts with precipitation, including competition between recrystallization-assisted precipitation and precipitation-driven recrystallization at different temperatures. We further explore how extended annealing influences mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, both of which are strongly governed by solute partitioning and the extent of defect recovery. |