Microstructural evolution and mechanical property optimization of a dual-phase AlCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy during hot rolling

This study investigates the hot-rolling response of a hypoeutectic dual-phase AlCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy composed of an fcc matrix and a bcc hard phase. The effects of rolling reduction, roll speed, and rolling temperature on microstructural evolution, texture development, and room-temperature tensile properties were systematically analyzed. The results show that hot rolling regulates the strength-ductility balance through the coupled evolution of grain refinement, dynamic recovery/recrystallization, phase morphology, and fcc/bcc texture coordination. Increasing rolling reduction promotes grain refinement and strengthens deformation texture, while roll speed produces a nonmonotonic microstructural response due to the competition between strain-rate hardening, deformation heating, and dynamic softening. Rolling temperature mainly controls the transition from a fine-grained, high-strength state to a softened or coarsened structure through recovery, recrystallization, and grain growth. Among the investigated conditions, intermediate rolling parameters provide the most favorable balance between deformation strengthening and plastic accommodation. In particular, the alloy rolled at 1050 °C, 600 rpm, and 50% reduction exhibits the best overall strength-ductility synergy, which is attributed to moderate grain refinement, effective dynamic softening, and improved coordinated deformation between the fcc and bcc phases. These findings clarify the microstructure-property relationship of hot-rolled dual-phase AlCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloys and provide guidance for optimizing thermomechanical processing routes.