Speakers - 2026

Title: Effect of al content on mechanical properties and wear resistance of spark plasma sintered ticunisi-al high entropy alloy

Abstract

Aluminum-containing high-entropy alloys (HEAs) offer promising combinations of strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability for demanding applications. This work investigates TiCuNiSi–xAl HEAs (0.5-1.7 at.% Al) fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 600 °C under 40 MPa, focusing on the effect of Al content on densification, porosity, and hardness. Microstructural analysis (SEM/EDS, XRD) revealed progressive refinement and improved densification (67.50% → 74.45%) with increasing Al, alongside reduced porosity (32.50% → 25.55%). Peak hardness (436.85 HV) occurred at 1.7 at.% Al, linked to the formation of well-distributed Al-rich intermetallic phases. Lower Al contents produced coarser, more porous structures with reduced hardness. Findings demonstrate that controlled Al addition enhances sinterability and hardening, though excessive intermetallic formation may induce brittleness. This study establishes a composition–microstructure–property relationship, supporting the design of Al-containing HEAs for aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications.

Key takeaway for the Audience:

• By the end of this presentation, the audience will know how the amount of aluminum in TiCuNiSi-based high-entropy alloys made by spark plasma sintering affects their microstructure, densification, and hardness. These revelations will enable engineers and researchers to:
• Tailor Alloy Composition: For particular applications, choose the ideal Al concentrations to balance ductility, wear resistance, and hardness.
• Optimize Processing Parameters: Use the SPS conditions that have been shown to enhance densification and decrease porosity in similar alloy systems.
• Predict Performance: Make predictions about the performance of alloy modifications under demanding conditions by using the known composition-microstructure-property relationships.
• Apply Across Sectors: Modify these results for the design of biomedical, automotive, and aerospace components where high strength and resistance to wear are essential.
• In short, they will leave with a practical framework for designing and processing Al-containing HEAs that meet targeted performance requirements in high-stakes environments.