Radiation response of multicomponent L12 γ′ precipitates strengthened high entropy alloys: The role of γ/γ′ interface

The advancement of high entropy alloys (HEAs) has stimulated the development of multicomponent L12 γ′ intermetallics, which exhibit both excellent strength and ductility. These intermetallics with long-range order are typically employed as coherent precipitates to enhance the high-temperature performance of HEAs. This study investigates the influence of multicomponent γ′ intermetallics on the irradiation response of the strengthened HEA γ phase, focusing on the role of the multicomponent γ/γ′ interface in defect production and evolution. Our results indicate that the chemical disorder within the multicomponent γ′ phase leads to a broad defect energy spectrum near the interface zone, diminishing its effectiveness as a defect sink. Based on these observations, we propose that, distinct from traditional superalloys, the γ/γ′ interface plays a minor role in the irradiation resilience of multicomponent γ′ intermetallics-strengthened HEAs. Instead, the inherent chemical disorder within the multicomponent γ′ intermetallics emerges as the key factor.