Evolution of microstructure and texture of CoFeNiAlMn soft magnetic high-entropy alloy during cold rolling and annealing

In this study, the Co 28.1 Fe 33.5 Ni 28.2 Al 8.2 Mn 2.0 high-entropy alloy was cold rolled with different reductions and annealed for varying time. The evolution of microstructure and texture during deformation and recrystallization as well as magnetic and mechanical properties were studied by using electron back scatter diffraction, X-ray diffraction, tensile testing and magnetic property tester. The results suggest that twinning is activated during rolling with a 30% reduction. Deformation twinning mainly occurs within S and Cu grains, as well as a small number of {012}<021> grains. The cold rolled texture consists of Copper-type and Brass-type textures, which are enhanced with the increase of deformation. The formation of deformation twins enhances the Brass-type rolling texture. The nucleation of recrystallized grains is strongly influenced by the local deformation texture. The Copper-type and Brass-type deformation textures are partially retained after annealing, while forming a pronounced {120}<001> texture. The recrystallization texture is influenced by the combined effects of dominant oriented nucleation and weak oriented growth. The magnetic properties of the alloy are improved after annealing, accompanied by a decrease in strength and an increase in elongation.