https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02328-5
Regular Article
Microstructural evolution, mechanical strengthening, and high-temperature performance of Y₂O₃-dispersed TiNbMoTaW refractory high entropy alloys
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Teaching Department, Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekananda Technical University, 491107, Bhilai, India
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bhilai Institute of Technology, 491001, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, 791109, Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh, India
4
Scientist ‘SG’, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre ISRO, 695547, Trivandrum, India
a
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b
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Received:
29
June
2025
Accepted:
16
April
2026
Published online:
2
May
2026
Abstract
This study investigates the microstructural and mechanical effects of incorporating 1.5 wt% Y₂O₃ into a TiNbMoTaW refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA). The alloys were synthesized through high-energy ball milling and consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). XRD results after 80 h of milling confirmed the formation of a stable single-phase BCC structure in both compositions. The addition of Y₂O₃ refined the microstructure, reducing the crystallite size from 56 nm to about 42 nm due to grain-boundary pinning by Y₂O₃ particles. The doped alloy exhibited higher lattice strain during milling, with some strain retained after SPS, indicating improved resistance to grain coarsening and enhanced thermal stability. Mechanically, the Y₂O₃-containing alloy demonstrated significantly higher compressive strength. DSC analysis further showed a stable heat-flow profile, suggesting superior thermal stability. Electrochemical tests revealed enhanced corrosion resistance for the Y₂O₃-dispersed alloy compared to the base composition.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
