Investigating Phase Evolution and Mechanical Behavior in the Nb-V-Zr Medium Entropy Alloy System*

This research investigates the Nb-V-Zr alloy system, a foundation for refractory high-entropy alloys with promising high-temperature applications. The alloys were created via arc melting and enriched with Zr using direct laser deposition. Characterization techniques included XRD for phase analysis, SEM for microstructural observation, EDS for determining elemental segregation, and nanoindentation for mechanical testing, with additional annealing conducted to evaluate thermal stability. The alloys had dendritic microstructures and BCC and C14/C15 Laves phases. Zr enrichment was found to affect both microstructural development and mechanical response.