Fabrication and characterization of 2024 aluminium – High entropy alloy composites

• A novel concept using matrix and reinforcement of metallic nature.
• HEAs are conceived, designed, produced and studied for reinforcement purpose.
• Composites with HEA reinforcements show improved specific properties.
• Finer reinforcements & enriched matrix concentration resulted in better properties.

Work has been carried out to produce composites with high strength and good ductility by maximizing a uniform and smooth interface for effective transfer of load and minimizing reinforcement agglomerations/cracking/pull outs. High strength, high entropy alloy (ternary) in particulate (HEAp) form was used as reinforcement in 2024 aluminium. AA 2024-HEAp composite was prepared through stir cast route by dispersing an average particle size of 125 μm as reinforcement with various weight fractions varying between 5% and 15%. Subsequently, billets were hot extruded to 14 mm Ø rods. All the extrudates were thoroughly homogenized with industrial furnace at 100 °C for 24 h. The mechanical behaviour of alloy and composites was studied in terms of resistivity, hardness, and tensile studies. An increment of 62% in hardness has been observed. Increased reinforcement contents enhance the mechanical properties such as yield strength, tensile strength and Young’s modulus.