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Data-driven electron-diffraction approach reveals local short-range ordering in CrCoNi with ordering effects.

ABSTRACT: The exceptional mechanical strength of medium/high-entropy alloys has been attributed to hardening in random solid solutions. Here, we evidence non-random chemical mixing in a CrCoNi alloy, resulting from short-range ordering. A data-mining approach of electron nanodiffraction enabled the study, which is assisted by neutron scattering, atom probe tomography, and diffraction simulation using first-principles theory models. Two samples, one homogenized and one heat-treated, are observed. In both samples, results reveal two types of short-range-order inside nanoclusters that minimize the Cr-Cr nearest neighbors (L1₂) or segregate Cr on alternating close-packed planes (L1₁). The L1₁ is predominant in the homogenized sample, while the L1₂ formation is promoted by heat-treatment, with the latter being accompanied by a dramatic change in dislocation-slip behavior. These findings uncover short-range order and the resulted chemical heterogeneities behind the mechanical strength in CrCoNi, providing general opportunities for atomistic-structure study in concentrated alloys for the design of strong and ductile materials.

SUBMITTER: Hsiao HW

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9636235 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Data-driven electron-diffraction approach reveals local short-range ordering in CrCoNi with ordering effects.

Hsiao Haw-Wen HW Feng Rui R Ni Haoyang H An Ke K Poplawsky Jonathan D JD Liaw Peter K PK Zuo Jian-Min JM

Nature communications 20221104 1

The exceptional mechanical strength of medium/high-entropy alloys has been attributed to hardening in random solid solutions. Here, we evidence non-random chemical mixing in a CrCoNi alloy, resulting from short-range ordering. A data-mining approach of electron nanodiffraction enabled the study, which is assisted by neutron scattering, atom probe tomography, and diffraction simulation using first-principles theory models. Two samples, one homogenized and one heat-treated, are observed. In both s ...[more]

PMID: 36333312

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Data-driven electron-diffraction approach reveals local short-range ordering in CrCoNi with ordering effects.

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Data-driven electron-diffraction approach reveals local short-range ordering in CrCoNi with ordering effects.

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