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Synthesis, Characterization, and Compositional Impact on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of High-Entropy Carbides via High-Energy Ball Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering
H. Kim
Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, 156, Gaetbeol-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
received September 12, 2024, received in revised form April 7, 2025, accepted April 11, 2025
Vol. 16, No. 2, Pages 69-76 DOI: 10.4416/JCST2024-00018
Abstract
High-entropy carbides (HECs) hold promise for high-temperature applications due to their potentially low thermal conductivity and strong mechanical properties. This study examines how compositional variations affect the thermal and mechanical properties of three HEC compositions: (Hf-Ta-Ti-Zr-Nb)C, (Ta-Ti-Nb-V-W)C, and (Hf-Ta-Ti-Nb-W)C. Synthesized via high-energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering, Composition A, characterized by its stable single-phase structure, exhibited the highest Vickers hardness (∼ 1 970 HV), fracture toughness (∼ 5.8 MPa·m1/2), and thermal conductivity (∼ 13 W/m·K) at room temperature. In contrast, Compositions B and C, which formed secondary phases, showed reduced mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. These results highlight the need for precise compositional control and processing optimization to enhance HEC performance in high-temperature environments.
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Keywords
High-entropy carbides, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, high-energy ball milling, spark plasma sintering.
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