Effect of prior cold deformation on recrystallization behavior of a multi-phase FeCrCuMnNi high entropy alloy

In this study, the influence of prior cold deformation on recrystallization behavior of FeCrCuMnNi high entropy alloy was studied. Homogenized samples were cold-rolled up to 85% reduction in thickness and then, annealed for 60 min at 900 degrees C. The results showed that initiation of recrystallization in different phases of the alloy requires different amounts of prior cold deformation, which is related to their deformation behavior. Microstructure evolution revealed an enhancement in recrystallized nuclei with increase in prior cold deformation, and it seems that the distinct characteristics of HEAs such as sluggish diffusion can promote this process. Increasing prior cold deformation led to a greater decrease in deformation texture components after annealing and formation of annealing texture components. Mechanical test results revealed that increasing prior cold deformation leads to a greater decline in hardness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and yield strength (YS) as a result of annealing. With increase in prior cold deformation fracture mode changed to a bimodal fracture in which FCC1 and FCC2 phases, respectively, revealed a ductile and brittle fracture. Moreover, it was seen that variation in hardness of the annealed alloy is directly related to the recrystallized fraction and there is a linear relation between the hardness and UTS of the alloy.