Can an amorphous crystallize into a high entropy alloy?

Abstract

On the premise that amorphous-HEA composites could demonstrate high toughness and resistance to embrittlement akin to the phase separating glassy-solid solution composites, we develop a thermodynamics based approach to identify chemical compositions capable of undergoing the amorphous to HEA transformation. We introduce two new parameters called phase selection value (PSV) and molar volume dispersity parameter. Using this thermodynamic approach seven multi-component compositions were proposed and the general guidelines for identifying such compositions was established. The approach also reveals that BMGs may not be as such amenable to undergo an amorphous to HEA transformation.