Short-range order in high entropy carbides

High-entropy carbides (HECs) are a new class of materials with properties that are promising for applications in extreme environments, involving high temperature, corrosion, and high ion-flux. In HECs, multiple principal cations form solid solutions, similar to medium/high-entropy alloys (M/HEA). However, mixing of atoms can be non-ideal, resulting in chemical short-range order (CSRO). CSRO has been already reported in M/HEAs, cation-disordered oxides, and high-entropy oxides and in many cases, it was found to have significant impact on materials properties. CSRO in covalently-bonded high-entropy ceramics has not been observed so far, and its potential impact on materials properties is unknown. In contrast to M/HEAs, in HECs only one of the sublattices forms a solid solution, and therefore it is unclear whether the concept of CSRO extends to HECs. Here, we report the observation of CSRO in multiple HECs using a combination of atomistic simulations and scanning transmission electron microscopy. We find that CSRO in HECs can be controlled by both selection of chemical elements and heat treatment, and it significantly improves radiation resistance, although it is not the only factor. Our findings expand the understanding of CSRO to HECs and provide a pathway for design of new materials for extreme environments.