Influence of Tooling on the Properties of the Surface Layer in HEA Alloy Sinters Produced by the SPS Method

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study on the Spark Plasma Sintering of High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) using atomized alloy powder. The sintering process was conducted within a graphite matrix at a predetermined optimum temperature of 1050 °C. The resulting material exhibited a density close to the theoretical value. Hardness tests and microstructural observations revealed the impact of the graphite tool used during the sintering process, particularly in the near-surface layer. Chemical and phase composition analyses indicated the formation of chromium carbides in the near-surface layer, leading to the depletion of FCC phase grains in chromium and alterations in the shape and size of these grains.