Structure and magnetic properties of a multi-principal element Ni-Fe-Cr-Co-Zn-Mn alloy

A nanocrystalline alloy with a nominal composition of Ni20Fe20Cr20Co20Zn15Mn5 was produced by mechanical alloying and processed using annealing treatments between 450 and 600 degrees C for lengths from 0.5 to 4 h. Analysis was conducted using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, magnetometry, and first-principles calculations. Despite designing the alloy using empirical high-entropy alloy guidelines, it was found to precipitate numerous phases after annealing. These precipitates included a magnetic phase, alpha-FeCo, which, after the optimal heat treatment conditions of 1 h at 500 degrees C, resulted in an alloy with reasonably good hard magnetic properties. The effect of annealing temperature and time on the microstructure and magnetic properties are discussed, as well as the likely mechanisms that cause the microstructure development. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.