Phys.org June 13, 2019
Researchers at Lehigh University used materials informatics to predict a class of materials that has superior mechanical properties. Using experimental tools, such as electron microscopy to gain insight into the physical mechanisms led to the observed behavior in the high-entropy alloys. They found alloys that had hardness values that exceeded by a factor of 2 better than other, more typical high-entropy alloys and other relatively hard binary alloys. Some exhibited new structures and superior mechanical properties, as well as enhanced oxidation resistance and magnetic properties, relative to conventional alloys. Such materials could potentially withstand severe impact from projectiles, thereby providing better protection to soldiers in combat…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Lettered panels are X-ray intensity maps associated with different elements comprising the alloy that permit deduction of the spatial distributions of these elements. Credit: Lehigh University