Fostering strengths against hydrogen embrittlement: insights from nanotwin-ability and post-treatment effects in additively manufactured CoCrFeMnNi

This study delves into effects of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on enhancing the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy fabricated via laser powder-bed-fusion (L-PBF). Comparatively assessing as-print, conventional heat treatment, and DCT, we uncover how nanotwin formation within matrix serves as a critical mechanism to combat adverse effects of hydrogen embrittlement. This work reveals that DCT not only mitigates inherent residual stresses from L-PBF, thereby fostering dislocation redistribution and microstructural stabilization, but also synergizes with high-density dislocation cells. Our findings articulate a nuanced understanding of microstructural evolution in response to post-treatments and consequential enhancement of hydrogen embrittlement resistance.Highlights Laser-based additively manufactured CoCrFeMnNi undergoes post heat treatment and deep cryogenic treatment to tailor dislocations and residual stress.The inherent residual stress acts as the driving force for the redistribution of dislocations, leading to the development of a stable microstructure after deep cryogenic treatment.High-density dislocation cells and hydrogen collaborate to lower the local stacking fault energy, triggering gradient nanotwins.Nanotwin-ability effects by deep cryogenic treatment (77 K × 36 h) on the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of CoCrFeMnNi with interior defects are verified.