Microstructure and Mechanical Properties for Composites of W/TiZrVAl High-entropy Alloy Sintered by Hot Isostatic Pressing

doi:10.11901/1005.3093.2025.316

Chinese Journal of Materials Research

2026, Vol. 40

Issue (7): 553-560 DOI: 10.11901/1005.3093.2025.316

ARTICLES

Current Issue | Archive | Adv Search

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties for Composites of W/TiZrVAl High-entropy Alloy Sintered by Hot Isostatic Pressing

WANG Yuqing¹, WANG Jinhe², LI Kexin², FU Huameng²(

), ZHANG Haifeng³

^1.School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, China
^2.Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
^3.School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China

Cite this article:

WANG Yuqing, WANG Jinhe, LI Kexin, FU Huameng, ZHANG Haifeng. Microstructure and Mechanical Properties for Composites of W/TiZrVAl High-entropy Alloy Sintered by Hot Isostatic Pressing. Chinese Journal of Materials Research, 2026, 40(7): 553-560.

Download:

HTML

PDF(16878KB)
Export: BibTeX | EndNote (RIS)

Abstract

Composites with W particles as the reinforcement phase and Ti₇Zr_1.5VAl_0.5 high-entropy alloy (HEA) as the matrix were fabricated via hot isostatic pressing (HIP) sintering. The effect of W content on the microstructure, densification behavior, and room-temperature compression properties of the composites were systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electronic universal testing machine. The results indicated that the composite with W:Ti₇Zr_1.5VAl_0.5 of 1:1 (in molar ratio) exhibited the optimal comprehansive mechanical properties, achieving a yield strength of 1146 MPa and a plastic strain of 36%. As the molar ratio of W to Ti₇Zr_1.5VAl_0.5 increased, both the yield strength and plasticity generally showed a declining trend. At a molar ratio of 2:1, the yield strength and plastic strain decreased to 892 MPa and 16%, respectively. Concurrently, the dominant fracture mechanism transitioned from ductile to brittle with the increasing W content. The deterioration in mechanical performance may be attributed to several factors. First, the significant density difference between W particles and the HEA matrix promoted gravity segregation and particle agglomeration, which weakened the dispersion-strengthening effect. In addition, a higher W content led to an increased number of inherent pores on the W particle surfaces; these pores could not fully be eliminated during sintering and consequently reduced the overall densification of the composite. Furthermore, under external loading, such micro-pores could act as stress-concentration sites, facilitating the initiation and propagation of micro-cracks and ultimately inducing interfacial debonding between the matrix and the W particles, which resulted in fracture.

Key words: composite high-entropy alloy hot isostatic pressing microstructure mechanical properties

Received: 27 October 2025

ZTFLH:

TB331

Fund: National Natural Science Foundation of China(52501195)

Corresponding Authors: FU Huameng, Tel: (024)23971783, E-mail: hmfu@imr.ac.cn

	Service

	E-mail this article
	Add to citation manager
	E-mail Alert
	RSS
	（）
	Articles by authors
	WANG Yuqing
	WANG Jinhe
	LI Kexin
	FU Huameng
	ZHANG Haifeng

URL:

https://www.cjmr.org/EN/10.11901/1005.3093.2025.316 OR https://www.cjmr.org/EN/Y2026/V40/I7/553

Fig.1 SEM images of HEA powder (a) and W particle (b)

Fig.2 SEM images of W particle and HEA powder with different ratio after 5 h blending (a) WHC1, (b) WHC2, (c) WHC3, (d) WHC4

Fig.3 SEM images and corresponding EDS mapping of high-entropy alloy based composites (a) WHC1, (b) WHC2, (c) WHC3, (d) WHC4

Fig.4 SEM image (a) and EDS line scan (b) of WHC1 composite

Fig.5 XRD patterns of W/HEA based composites

Composites	$ρ t$ /g·cm^-3	$ρ e$ /g·cm^-3	R_D
WHC1	11.61	11.57	0.99
WHC2	12.83	12.68	0.99
WHC3	13.30	12.72	0.96
WHC4	14.07	13.08	0.93

Table 1 Theoretical density and experimental density of the W/HEA based composites

Fig.6 Room-temperature compressive stress-strain curves of the W/HEA based composites

Table 2 Room-temperature compressive mechanical properties of W/HEA based composites

Fig.7 Macro- and micro-morphologies of fracture of HEA (a, c) and WHC1 composites (b, d) after compression at room temperature

Fig.8 Schematic diagram of the HIPed composites

[1]	Ye Y F, Wang Q, Lu J, et al. High-entropy alloy: challenges and prospects [J]. Mater. Today, 2016, 19(6): 349 doi: 10.1016/j.mattod.2015.11.026
[2]	Miracle D B, Senkov O N. A critical review of high entropy alloys and related concepts [J]. Acta Mater., 2017, 122: 448 doi: 10.1016/j.actamat.2016.08.081
[3]	Ye Y X, Liu C Z, Wang H, et al. Friction and wear behavior of a single-phase equiatomic TiZrHfNb high-entropy alloy studied using a nanoscratch technique [J]. Acta Mater., 2018, 147: 78 doi: 10.1016/j.actamat.2018.01.014
[4]	Wang J R, Jiang F, Wang L, et al. Cr addition-mediated simultaneous achievement of excellent strength and plasticity in non-equiatomic Nb-Ti-Zr-Ta-base refractory high-entropy alloys [J]. J. Alloy. Compd., 2023, 946: 169423 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2023.169423
[5]	Uporov S A, Ryltsev R E, Sidorov V A, et al. Pressure effects on electronic structure and electrical conductivity of TiZrHfNb high-entropy alloy [J]. Intermetallics, 2022, 140: 107394 doi: 10.1016/j.intermet.2021.107394
[6]	Hu Y M, Liu X D, Guo N N, et al. Microstructure and mechanical properties of NbZrTi and NbHfZrTi alloys [J]. Rare Met., 2019, 38(9): 840 doi: 10.1007/s12598-019-01310-6
[7]	Fu A, Guo W M, Liu B, et al. A particle reinforced NbTaTiV refractory high entropy alloy based composite with attractive mechanical properties [J]. J. Alloy. Compd., 2020, 815: 152466 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.152466
[8]	Lu T W, Chen W P, Li Z X, et al. Processing and mechanical properties of fine grained Al matrix composites reinforced with a uniform dispersion of nanocrystalline high-entropy alloy particles [J]. J. Alloy. Compd., 2019, 801: 473 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.06.157
[9]	Luo W Y, Liu Y Z, Luo Y, et al. Fabrication and characterization of WC-AlCoCrCuFeNi high-entropy alloy composites by spark plasma sintering [J]. J. Alloy. Compd., 2018, 754: 163 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.04.270
[10]	Zhang G N, Yang X, Li Y, et al. Preparation methods of high entropy alloy composites [J]. J. Netshape Form. Eng., 2022, 14(12): 17
	张冠男, 杨潇, 李永等. 高熵合金基复合材料及制备方法研究进展 [J]. 精密成形工程, 2022, 14(12): 17
[11]	Yang D, Meng X, Zhao Y C. Research progress of multi-principal component high-entropy alloy matrix composites [J]. Hot Work. Technol., 2019, 48(16): 29
	杨迪, 孟旭, 赵越超. 多主元高熵合金基复合材料的研究进展 [J]. 热加工工艺, 2019, 48(16): 29
[12]	Pandey V, Seetharam R, Chelladurai H. A comprehensive review: Discussed the effect of high-entropy alloys as reinforcement on metal matrix composite properties, fabrication techniques, and applications [J]. J. Alloy. Compd., 2024, 1002: 175095 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.175095
[13]	Liu D Q, Zhao W Q, Chen G K, et al. High strength refractory high-entropy alloy matrix composites reinforced with in-situ formed Al₂O₃ particles [J]. Int. J. Refract. Met. Hard Mater., 2025, 133: 107368 doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2025.107368
[14]	Ouyang W, Zhai B, Chen W L, et al. Microstructure and mechanical properties of FeCrCoMnNi matrix composites reinforced by TiC particles [J]. Powder Metall. Technol., 2024, 42(4): 338
	欧阳维, 翟博, 陈文琳等. TiC颗粒增强FeCrCoMnNi基复合材料的微观组织与力学性能 [J]. 粉末冶金技术, 2024, 42(4): 338
[15]	Bauri R, Yadav D, Kumar C N S, et al. Tungsten particle reinforced Al 5083 composite with high strength and ductility [J]. Mater. Sci. Eng., 2015, 620A: 67
[16]	Sun Y P, Wang B, Ren Y P, et al. Tungsten particle-reinforced 316L steel fabricated by laser melting deposition: Microstructure and mechanical properties [J]. Mater. Sci. Eng., 2025, 929A: 148102
[17]	Zhang H Z, Feng P Z, Akhtar F. Aluminium matrix tungsten aluminide and tungsten reinforced composites by solid-state diffusion mechanism [J]. Sci. Rep., 2017, 7(1): 12391 doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12302-w pmid: 28959027
[18]	Chen G, Luo T, Shen S C, et al. Tungsten particles reinforced high-entropy alloy matrix composite prepared by in-situ reaction [J]. J. Alloy. Compd., 2021, 862: 158037 doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2020.158037
[19]	Ma Y F, Tang X F, Wang X, et al. Preparation and mechanical properties of tungsten-particle-reinforced Zr-based bulk-metallic-glass composites [J]. Mater. Sci. Eng., 2021, 815A: 141312
[20]	Ma R L, Peng C Q, Cai Z Y, et al. Effects of hot isostatic pressing on microstructure and mechanical properties of selective laser melted Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy [J]. Mater. Charact., 2025, 229: 115471 doi: 10.1016/j.matchar.2025.115471
[21]	Alla S S, Emad B, Mukherjee S. Hot isostatic pressing of a refractory high entropy alloy [J]. Mater. Lett., 2025, 400: 139173 doi: 10.1016/j.matlet.2025.139173
[22]	Atkinson H V, Davies S. Fundamental aspects of hot isostatic pressing: An overview [J]. Metall. Mater. Trans., 2000, 31A(12) : 2981
[23]	Li X, Gong Y, Liu S B, et al. Current development and prospects for titanium alloy powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing technology [J]. Foundry, 2020, 69(4): 335
	李欣, 龚燚, 刘时兵等. 钛合金粉热等静压技术的发展现状及展望 [J]. 铸造, 2020, 69(4): 335
[24]	Huang S Y, Hanlon T, Shingledecker J, et al. Powder metallurgy HIP process study and mechanical property evaluations for IN740H [J]. JOM, 2022, 74(9): 3289 doi: 10.1007/s11837-022-05385-y
[25]	Wang P J, Ai T T, Liao Z N, et al. Microstructure and mechanical properties of high-entropy alloys (FeNiCoCr)_100- _x Al _x (x=0, 5) prepared by hot-pressing sintering [J]. Chin. J. Mater. Res., 2022, 36(11): 871
	王沛锦, 艾桃桃, 廖仲尼等. 热压烧结(FeNiCoCr)_100- _x Al _x (x = 0、5)高熵合金的微观组织及力学性能 [J]. 材料研究学报, 2022, 36(11): 871 doi: 10.11901/1005.3093.2021.383
[26]	Sobieraj D, Wróbel J S, Rygier T, et al. Chemical short-range order in derivative Cr-Ta-Ti-V-W high entropy alloys from the first-principles thermodynamic study [J]. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22(41): 23929 doi: 10.1039/d0cp03764h pmid: 33073813
[27]	Guo C P, Li C R, Shang S L, et al. Thermodynamic description of the Ta-W-Zr system [J]. Int. J. Mater. Res., 2014, 105(11): 1048 doi: 10.3139/146.111125
[28]	Chawla K K. Composite Materials: Science and Engineering [M]. 3rd Ed. New York: Springer, 2012: 337
[29]	Rivera-Salinas J E, Gregorio-Jáuregui K M, Romero-Serrano J A, et al. Simulation on the effect of porosity in the elastic modulus of SiC particle reinforced Al matrix composites [J]. Metals, 2020, 10(3): 391 doi: 10.3390/met10030391
[30]	Shibata S, Taya M, Mori T, et al. Dislocation punching from spherical inclusions in a metal matrix composite [J]. Acta Metall. Mater., 1992, 40(11): 3141 doi: 10.1016/0956-7151(92)90477-V
[31]	Vasilos T, Smith J T. Diffusion mechanism for tungsten sintering kinetics [J]. J. Appl. Phys., 1964, 35(1): 215 doi: 10.1063/1.1713072
[32]	Cabezas J L, Olmos L, Vergara-Hernández H J, et al. Investigation of the effect of inert inclusions on densification during solid-state sintering of metal matrix composites [J]. Sci. Eng. Compos. Mater., 2017, 24(5): 755
[33]	Hogg R. Mixing and segregation in powders: evaluation, mechanisms and processes [J]. KONA Powder Part. J., 2009, 27: 3 doi: 10.14356/kona.2009005
[34]	Sozhamannan G G, Prabu S B, Paskaramoorthy R. Failures analysis of particle reinforced metal matrix composites by microstructure based models [J]. Mater. Des., 2010, 31(8): 3785 doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2010.03.025

[1]	HU Ming, WANG Qirui, QIU Jianke, LEI Xiaofei, ZHANG Jinhu, DONG Limin, YANG Rui. Effect of Drawing Reduction on Strength-ductility of Ultra-high Strength Ti-alloy Bar[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(8): 561-571.
[2]	YANG Lei, SHANG Xuewen, TIAN Xiaosheng, GAO Huiying, XU Lei. Variation of Microstructure and Mechanical Property of Powder Metallurgy Hot Isostatic Pressed TC11 Alloy After Thermal Exposure for 400 h[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(8): 572-582.
[3]	SONG Xiaotong, CHEN Sixu, QIU Jianke, HU Ming, ZHANG Mingjie, ZAN Xiaodong, LEI Jiafeng. Effect of Thermomechanical Processing on Fracture Toughness of Ti55531 Alloy Bar for Fasteners[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(8): 595-604.
[4]	LI Jiawen, YU Wei, WANG Peng, ZHUANG Yin, BAI Yu, HAO Hai. Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Interpenetrating Porous Al-based Composites with Hollow-strut Lattice Structures[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(8): 605-612.
[5]	BAO Fangxuan, GONG Minglong, LIU Enrui, LIU Fengfang, BAI Jing, GAO Qiuzhi. Optimization of Mechanical Properties and High-pressure Strengthening Mechanism of FeCoNiCuSi _x B_{1 -}_x High Entropy Alloys[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(7): 481-496.
[6]	FU Yuhan, FAN Junling, ZHANG Wei, PANG Shengyang, HU Chenglong. Mechanical, Oxidation and Cyclic Ablation Properties of C_f/ZrB₂-SiC and C_f/ZrB₂-SiBCN Composites[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(7): 497-506.
[7]	WANG Jun, LIU Wen, JI Weihua, MIAO Yang, WANG Yijie, ZONG Zhenhao, MA Haoming, ZHOU Lingling. Effect of Lattice-interface Synergy of NiFe-layered Double Hydroxide /Co, La-doped CeO₂ on Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(7): 507-518.
[8]	ZHAO Junjie, MING Xiao, LIU Qianqian, ZENG Xiaoping, WANG Dawei, WANG Wei, WU Jiangyu. Preparation and Sound Absorption of Carbon Fiber/MoS₂-modified Cellulose Composite Aerogel[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(7): 528-534.
[9]	XU Lei, LI Ruochen, TIAN Xiaosheng, LU Zhengguan. Influence of Defects in ЭП741 Alloy Powder on Mechanical Properties of Alloys Prepared by Hot Isostatic Pressing Process[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(6): 425-436.
[10]	JIANG Xingguo, SHEN Wenzhuo, YANG Tao, ZHANG Jiali, ZHONG Min, CAO He, GUO Shouwu. Enhancing Effect and Mechanism of Reduced Graphene Oxide on the Corrosion Resistance of Copper-based Composites[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(6): 450-456.
[11]	ZHAO Xinyu, LIU Enze, ZHANG Gong, ZHAO Yuan, NING Likui, XIN Xin, JIA Dan, LIU Weihua, TAN Zheng. Mechanical Properties of Brazed Joints of Nickel-based Superalloy DD10[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(6): 465-473.
[12]	GUO Wei, ZHANG Yuelin, CAO Ziheng, LI Longfeng, ZHAO Mi, WU Shusen. Effect of Heat Treatment Temperature on Microstructure and Properties of FeCrVTa_0.1W_0.1Ti_0.1C_0.17 Alloy of Multi-components[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(6): 474-480.
[13]	YU Hanbo, HU Yan, XU Tingting, ZHANG Yiwen, ZHANG Chi, TAN Jiewen, LI Yongxiang, WANG Han. Degradation Performance of Heterojunction Photocatalyst Bi₄O₅I₂/Bi₇O₉I₃ for Ciprofloxacin Solution[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(5): 321-332.
[14]	LIU Danyang, JING Miaomiao, ZHAO Qiang, WANG Junli, JIA Zhifang, LI Zuopeng, WANG Kewei, GUO Yong. Synthesis of Cu₂O/N,S-BiOBr Composite Photocatalysts and Their Performance for Tetracycline Degradation[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(5): 333-342.
[15]	QU Mengyuan, YOU Kangwei, XIE Liyan, WANG Yaxin, LUO Zhishan, HUANG Jianhui. Synthesis and Photocatalytic Performance of Bi/Bi₂O₂CO₃[J]. 材料研究学报, 2026, 40(5): 343-351.

No Suggested Reading articles found!

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed