Investigation of the structural and physical properties of aluminum matrix FeCoNiCrTi high-entropy alloy-reinforced composites

This experimental study aimed to investigate the influence of high-entropy alloy (HEA) additives on the technical properties of aluminum matrix materials. For this purpose, Al1050/HEA composite samples were produced by adding FeCoNiCrTi to commercial grade 1050 aluminum using the powder metallurgy method, and the structural and some physical properties of the samples were examined. The analyses revealed that the amount of HEA added to the aluminum had a significant effect on the homogeneity of the microstructure. In X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, the intensity of Al peaks decreased as the HEA content increased, and the diffraction peaks corresponding to the HEA phase were clearly defined. No intermetallic phase or impurity peaks were formed in the structure. Increasing the HEA content resulted in decreased electrical conductivity and increased electrical resistance. In addition, HEA addition reduced electromagnetic wave reflection and enhanced wave absorption across different frequency ranges. As the energy against gamma radiation increases, the Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC) and Radiation Protection Efficiency (RPE) decrease depending on the structure of the material through which the gamma rays pass, while the half-value layer (HVL) and Mean Free Path (MFP) values increase. Al1050 composite with 20% HEA additive was found to have the best radiation shielding efficiency with an RPE value of 96.6%. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing literature by providing new insights into the development and characterization of HEA-reinforced aluminum composites for potential shielding applications.