Complex Concentrated Alloys for Thin Films: Applications and Properties

Dear Colleagues,

Complex concentrated alloys (CCAs), also called multi-principal alloys (MPAs) or high-entropy alloys (HEAs), represent a distinct design concept in which the component elements are present in a high proportion, forming microstructures predominantly rich in solid solutions. The uniqueness of the concept is provided by the hypothesis that the high mixing entropy determines the prevalent formation of solid solutions instead of intermetallic compounds. Complex concentrated alloys are no longer a novelty from a scientific point of view, but present significant difficulties regarding the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the microstructure formation and the properties they develop. The vast majority of reports in the literature discuss CCAs obtained by bulk synthesis in as-cast, heat-treated and/or plastically deformed states. Well-defined crystallographic structures can be obtained in these states, more or less close to equilibrium. But the majority of applications in the industry involve obtaining thin films for various applications with a great impact in the materials use, energy consumption and in the obtaining parts with complex configurations and properties. Coatings are often obtained in non-equilibrium conditions, and the structures formed are very different from those obtained by bulk methods. Very often it is difficult to predict the structure only based on the compositional design, and it requires additional modeling/simulation and experimental studies for process development. The present Special Issue aims to offer the opportunity to publish research results of great interest in the field of the deposition of complex concentrated alloys. New alloy compositions or innovative synthesis methods are welcome, as well as the presentation of modeling and simulation concepts for deposition processes, in various conditions or geometries. Structure–process–property correlations are crucial for the design of future CCA thin films.

Dr. Dumitru Mitrica
Dr. Ana Maria Julieta Popescu
Guest Editors

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