A novel soft magnetic high-entropy alloy: Achieving synergy in mechanical properties, soft magnetic performance, and corrosion resistance
Balancing mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and soft magnetic performance in structural-functional integrated materials remains a persistent metallurgical challenge. This study reports a face-centered cubic (FCC) Fe40Co35Ni15Al3Ta2Cr5 (at.%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) that achieves an unprecedented combination of these properties. The alloy exhibits a tensile strength of ~1200 MPa, total elongation of ~25%, saturation magnetization of 101.54 Am2·kg-1, and coercivity of 267.34 A·m-1. These values surpass most reported magnetic HEAs and conventional soft magnetic alloys. In a simulated 3.50 wt.% NaCl seawater environment, the alloy demonstrates a corrosion current density of 3.99 × 10-7 A·cm-2, comparable to 316L stainless steel. The synergy arises from nanoprecipitate engineering within the FCC matrix, which impedes dislocation motion while maintaining magnetic domain wall mobility and promoting a protective passive film. This work provides a design pathway for soft magnetic structural-functional materials suitable for corrosive marine environments, where simultaneous load-bearing and magnetic actuation are required.