Synergetic effect of functionalized few-layered graphene on structural, magnetic and electrical conductivity properties of CoCuFeNi high entropy alloys

Abstract

This research investigates the integration of functionalized few-layered graphene (FG) into CoCuFeNi high entropy alloys (HEAs), uncovering notable improvements in their structural, magnetic, and electrical properties. By utilizing a functionalization technique with Triton X-100 as a surfactant, the study addresses graphene agglomeration, enhancing FG dispersion within HEAs during the mechanical alloying (MA) process. The impact of different FG concentrations (0.2 %, 1 %, 2 %, 10 % by weight) on HEA properties was examined. FG incorporation refined the microstructure, reducing crystallite size from 19.48 nm to 9.30 nm at 2 wt% FG, while higher concentrations led to a dual-phase FCC and BCC structure. Magnetic properties were modified, with coercivity increasing from 8.53 Oe in the base alloy to 144 Oe at 10 wt% FG, and saturation magnetization decreasing from 90.22 emu/g to 61.48 emu/g. Electrical conductivity also improved. These enhancements indicate the utility of FG-enriched HEAs in applications demanding robust microstructural refinement, magnetic properties, and high electrical conductivity.