Positron annihilation studies on FeCrCoNi high entropy alloy

•Defect annealing in FeCrCoNi high entropy alloy is studied using positron lifetime and Doppler broadening.•Variation of positron lifetime with temperature show the annealing of defects beyond 770 K.•XRD shows that the alloy forms FCC solid solution and the phase remains stable even after annealing at 1373 K.•Recrystallization assisted grain growth occurs beyond 973 K.

Defect annealing in FeCrCoNi high entropy alloy is studied using positron lifetime and Doppler broadening spectroscopic techniques. Variation of positron lifetime with temperature show the annealing of defects beyond 770 K. Theoretical positron lifetime and electron momentum distributions were computed for the alloy to understand the nature of defects present in the arc melted alloy. X-ray diffraction measurements show that the arc melted alloy forms FCC solid solution and the phase remains stable even after annealing at 1373 K. Recrystallization assisted grain growth occurs beyond 973 K.