Edge-Cracking Behavior of CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy During Hot Rolling

This work investigated edge-cracking behavior of equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy during hot rolling at rolling temperatures $500{\leq}T_R{\leq}1000^{\circ}C$. Edge cracks did not form in the material rolled at $500^{\circ}C$, but widened and deepened into the inside of plate as $T_R$ increased from $500^{\circ}C$. Edge cracks were most severe in the material rolled at $1000^{\circ}C$. Mn-Cr-O type non-metallic inclusion and oxidation were identified as major factors that caused edge cracking. The inclusions near edge region acted as preferential sites for crack formation. Connection between inclusion cracks and surface cracks induced edge cracking. Rolling at $T_R{\geq}600^{\circ}C$ generated distinct inclusion cracks whereas they were not serious at $T_R=500^{\circ}C$, so noticeable edge cracks formed at $T_R{\geq}600^{\circ}C$. At $T_R=1000^{\circ}C$, significant oxidation occurred at the crack surface. This accelerated edge crack penetration by embrittling the crack tip, so severe edge cracking occurred at $T_R=1000^{\circ}C$.