Experimental analysis, statistical modeling, and parametric optimization of quinary-(CoCrFeMnNi)_{100 –x}/TiC_x high-entropy-alloy (HEA) manufactured by laser additive manufacturing

For additional strength increase, 5, 10, and 15% TiC was added to the quinary CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy (HEA) at laser powers of 100, 400, and 700 watts while selective laser melting method was engaged in the fabrication. Microstructure, porosity, density, yield and tensile strengths, elongation, and microhardness are among the parameters analyzed. As TiC appreciated from 5 to 15%, the microstructure revealed that the particles were dispersed within the matrix. Also, the addition ensued grain size refinement with increasing particle proportion. Meanwhile, 15% caused an increase in porosity, 0–10% TiC dosage and 100–700 watts laser power led to a decrease in porosity. The same dosage of TiC resulted in a linear improvement in microhardness even as 0–15% TiC ensued gradual reductions in density and elongation Increases in laser power between 100 and 700 watts were detrimental to elongation but beneficial to density and microhardness enhancement. For composites produced at 100–700 watts laser power, 5–10% TiC increased yield and ultimate tensile strengths whereas 15% TiC decreased strength. For every TiC addition, laser power 100 - 400 watts generally showed an improvement in strength and microhardness, whereas 700 watts depicted a decrease in strength and microhardness. The optimal input combination was predicted by the developed models to be 15% TiC and 504 watts laser power. Since the deviation between anticipated outcome and validation values for the responses is < 0.05, the models are certified for future prediction of the responses. In conclusion, with 504 watt laser power, the entropy alloy's optimum composition is (CoCrFeMnNi)₈₅/TiC₁₅.