Strengthening of Fe40Mn40Co10Cr10 high entropy alloy via Mo/C alloying

The effects of the addition of Mo and C elements on the microstructure and room-temperature mechanical properties of Fe40Mn40Co10Cr10 high-entropy alloy (HEA) were investigated. The yield strength of the HEA increased from 240 MPa to 560 MPa through the addition of 1 wt.% Mo and 1 wt.% C. The strengthening mechanism of the HEA was found to be mainly attributed to the solid-solution strengthening. Surprisingly, the addition of Mo and C also prompt the deformation twinning in the HEA, which enhances the working hardening ability and basically maintains the large plasticity.