anthi

• Álvarez, José Luis Garrido; Lopez-Garcia, Javier; Dura, Oscar J.; Schrade, Matthias; Poulia, Anthoula & González, Carlos F. Gutiérrez [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2025). Synergistic effects of Sb doping and nanostructuring on spark plasma-sintered ZrNiSn thermoelectrics. Materials Advances. p. 1–11. doi: 10.1039/d5ma01100k. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Nanostructured ZrNiSn and ZrNiSn1−xSbx (x = 0.02 and 0.05) half-Heusler alloys were successfully synthesized via mechanical milling followed by spark plasma sintering. All samples crystallized in the expected MgAgAs-type crystal structure (space group 𝐹-43m) and retained their nanostructured powder morphology post-sintering. Thermoelectric measurements revealed that the mechanical milling effectively reduced lattice thermal conductivity, while Sb doping significantly enhances the electrical conductivity in the ZrNiSn system. However, extending the milling time beyond 5 hours led to reduced performance due to the increased structural disorder without further thermal conductivity decrease. Hall effect measurements yielded a relatively low effective carrier mass of around 0.7-1.3 me, which accounts for the observed reduction in the Seebeck coefficient. The optimal Sb doping level was found to be x = 0.02. At this doping level, a substantial improvement in thermoelectric performance is detected with a maximum thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of approximately 0.6 at 600 K (two folds that of the undoped sample) and a 60% improvement over the unmilled ZrNiSn0.98Sb0.02 alloy These results highlight the synergistic effects of controlled Sb doping and nanostructuring via mechanical milling on optimizing the thermoelectric properties of ZrNiSn-based half-Heuslers.

• Bazioti, Kalliopi; Løvvik, Ole Martin; Poulia, Anthoula; Carvalho, Patricia Almeida; Azar, Amin S. & Mikheenko, Pavlo [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Probing the structural evolution and its impact on magnetic properties of FeCoNi(AlMn)x high-entropy alloy at the nanoscale. Journal of Alloys and Compounds. ISSN 0925-8388. 910, p. 1–12. doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.164724. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We report the first nanoscale investigation of FeCoNi(AlMn)x high-entropy alloys (HEAs) processed by laser metal deposition. The structural evolution of the alloy upon chemical composition variation (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 1.5) was investigated by combining imaging and spectroscopies in (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (S)TEM with density functional theory (DFT). A gradual change from a face-centered cubic (FCC) towards an ordered full-Heusler (L21) phase by increasing the Al and Mn contents was observed. Direct imaging and atomic-scale calculations revealed a nanoscale interplay between B2 and L21 ordered structures for x = 1.5, wherein the latter, Al and Mn occupy two different Wyckoff sites. By decreasing x, the FCC phase dominates exhibiting intense phase separation tendency, ordering phenomena, and nano-precipitation. Although not chemically discriminated, plasmon-peak splitting in low-loss electron energy loss spectra revealed the presence of two valence electron densities within the FCC phase. Lorentz TEM showed that the ordered nano-precipitates and nano-sized grains with a structure based on a tripled FCC unit cell are pinning-sites for magnetic domain walls and dislocations. All alloy compositions exhibited soft-magnetic behavior with coercivity (Hc) values< 1000 A/m. The FeCoNi(AlMn)1.5 alloy with L21/B2 nanostructure showed the highest magnetization (Ms) with relatively low Hc, attributed to the large magnetic moment of Mn and the synergistic effect of Mn-Al according to DFT, whilst ordering does not impose a negative effect. Phase separation trends within the FCC phase seem to decrease the Ms however, the overall impact on the magnetic behavior is not intense, opening up for new avenues for tuning FeCoNiAlMn properties through chemically-designed phase decomposition regimes.

• Poulia, Anthoula; Larsen, Aleksander Amble; Graff, Joachim Seland; Diplas, Spyridon; Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora & Mikheenko, Pavlo (2022). Imaging Magnetic Domain Structure of a High Entropy Alloy: Effect of Applied Magnetic Field, 2022 IEEE 12th International Conference Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties (NAP). IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9781665489829. p. NMM01-1–NMM01-5. doi: 10.1109/NAP55339.2022.9934250. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are recently introduced materials consisting of numerous—at least five—elements in nearly equal-atomic concentrations. Studying them, previously unexplored phase fields in multidimensional phase diagrams are now being explored. The HEA concept is based on a thermodynamic balance between mixing entropy and enthalpy, which defines values of several critical parameters that determine the formation of simple or complicated phases. Physical properties, like magnetism, are of great interest for these materials, even though they have not been extensively analyzed so far. Particularly, the exploration of the magnetic domain structure and its correlation with the micro- and nano-structural features of the materials is of high scientific value. In this work, we study the influence of the magnetic history on the alteration of the magnetic domain patterns in polycrystalline FeCoNiAl0.9Mn0.9 High Entropy Alloy (HEA). For the study, we introduce a combinatorial method of Electron Backscatter Diffraction and Magnetic Force Microscopy imaging, which reveals specific magnetic domain structures in the grains of different crystallographic orientations. It is found that in the HEA polycrystal, an increase of the applied magnetic field affects the formation of magnetic domains and leads to a transition from a labyrinth-like pattern to a dotted domain configuration, which is expressed differently in the differently oriented grains.

• Larsen, Aleksander Amble; Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Bazioti, Kalliopi; Carvalho, Patricia Almeida & Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Identifying Magnetic Phases in Additively Manufactured High-Entropy Alloy FeCoNiAlxMnx, 2021 IEEE 10th International Conference on “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties” (NAP – 2021). IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9781665439077. p. NMM03-1–NMM03-4. doi: 10.1109/NAP51885.2021.9568591. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  High-Entropy Alloys are advanced technological materials composed of several (typically five) elements in nearly equal atomic concentration. By forming these alloys, previously unknown phase fields of multidimensional phase diagrams are explored. The large number of possible substitutions of constituent elements on crystal lattice sites justifies the dominant contribution of mixing entropy over enthalpy to the free energy reduction. This leads to the formation of phases, which otherwise could not be formed in alloys with fewer main alloying elements. Here we explore magnetic and compositional properties of a High-Entropy Alloy, namely FeCoNiAl x Mn x (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 3.08), composed of magnetic (Fe, Co, Ni) and non-magnetic elements (Al, Mn). By magnetic force microscopy of a selected area, it is observed that for intermediate to low Al and Mn contents, the alloy splits in two major crystallographic phases with different magnetic properties. Elemental maps of the same area were recorded with energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Counterintuitively, it was found that the phase rich in non-magnetic Al has stronger magnetism than the phase rich in Fe. This work showcases possible applications of the here presented HEAs as soft magnetic materials in functional magnetic elements.

• Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Schrade, M.; Graff, J.S.; Bazioti, Kalliopi & Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Process–Structure–Property Relationship in FeCoNiAlxMnx Complex Concentrated Alloys Processed by Additive Manufacturing. Journal of materials engineering and performance (Print). ISSN 1059-9495. 30(9), p. 6961–6971. doi: 10.1007/s11665-021-06082-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Fourteen alloys of the FeCoNiAlxMnx system were processed by laser metal deposition (LMD). The feedstock was a weighted and proportional blend of the containing elemental powders, targeting the nominal alloy compositions. Prior to processing, the composition and particle characteristics of the feedstock were assessed. The microstructural features and crystal structures of all LMD processed materials were characterized with scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction, in both as-received and heat-treated conditions. Selected samples were investigated via scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction for further structural understanding. Hardness tests, under various indentation loads and dwelling times, were performed to assess the mechanical properties of the processed samples. The results showed a rise in hardness as Al and Mn contents increase. The variation of hardness with composition follows a reverse sigma-type curve, reflecting the microstructural evolution and grain size variations in the alloys. Based on the hardness data, we suggest a trained and validated predictive model, which can be used in alloy design for future developments.

• Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Svec, Peter; Bazioti, Kalliopi; Belle, Branson & Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Nanoscale Magnetic Properties of Additively Manufactured FeCoNiAlxMnx High-Entropy Alloys, 2020 IEEE 10th International Conference on “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties” (NAP – 2020). IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9781728185064. p. 01NMM02-1–01NMM02-5. doi: 10.1109/NAP51477.2020.9309571. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Magnetic properties of High-Entropy Alloys based on the Fe-Co-Ni-Al-Mn system are reported. High-Entropy Alloys are cutting-edge technological materials containing five or more elements in relatively high concentrations (5–35 at.%) within one or several solid-state solutions. These solutions are stabilized at the nanometer scale due to the high contribution of the mixing entropy to the Gibbs free energy, which can overcome the enthalpic contribution. Two magnetic alloys are found in FeCoNiAlxMnx (1.6 at.%  x  7.8 at.%) samples processed by laser metal deposition. The magnetic techniques used to screen the materials were magneto-optical imaging and magnetic force microscopy. The former allows characterizing magnetic properties within the mm-μm scale, while the latter is efficient down to the nanometer scale. Magnetic screening confirms the importance of the nanostructure in defining magnetic properties of the alloys, and the trends in the magnetic behavior as a function of the alloy composition are revealed. The experimental results suggest that it is possible to form unique alloys, which may outperform conventional magnetic materials used in a variety of applications such as transformers, screening shields and wind power generators.

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• Poulia, Anthoula; Larsen, Aleksander; Graff, Joachim Seland; Diplas, Spyridon; Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora & Mikheenko, Pavlo (2022). Imaging Magnetic Domain Structure of a High Entropy Alloy: Effect of Applied Magnetic Field. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are recently introduced materials consisting of numerous—at least five—elements in nearly equal-atomic concentrations. Studying them, previously unexplored phase fields in multidimensional phase diagrams are now being explored. The HEA concept is based on a thermodynamic balance between mixing entropy and enthalpy, which defines values of several critical parameters that determine the formation of simple or complicated phases. Physical properties, like magnetism, are of great interest for these materials, even though they have not been extensively analyzed so far. Particularly, the exploration of the magnetic domain structure and its correlation with the micro- and nano-structural features of the materials is of high scientific value. In this work, we study the influence of the magnetic history on the alteration of the magnetic domain patterns in polycrystalline FeCoNiAl0.9Mn0.9 High Entropy Alloy (HEA). For the study, we introduce a combinatorial method of Electron Backscatter Diffraction and Magnetic Force Microscopy imaging, which reveals specific magnetic domain structures in the grains of different crystallographic orientations. It is found that in the HEA polycrystal, an increase of the applied magnetic field affects the formation of magnetic domains and leads to a transition from a labyrinth-like pattern to a dotted domain configuration, which is expressed differently in the differently oriented grains.

• Bazioti, Kalliopi; Poulia, Anthoula; Løvvik, Ole Martin; Azar, Amin S.; Mikheenko, Pavlo & Diplas, Spyridon [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Advanced Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy investigations of FeCoNi(AlMn)x high-entropy alloy: nanoscale structure and impact on magnetic properties. Full text in Research Archive
• Bazioti, Kalliopi; Poulia, Anthoula; Løvvik, Ole Martin; Carvalho, Patricia Almeida; Azar, Amin S. & Mikheenko, Pavlo [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). STEM-EELS investigations and Lorentz microscopy unravelling the structural evolution of FeCoNi(AlMn)x high-entropy alloy and its impact on magnetic properties. Full text in Research Archive
• Larsen, Aleksander; Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Bazioti, Kalliopi; Carvalho, Patricia Almeida & Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Identifying Magnetic Phases in Additively Manufactured High-Entropy Alloy FeCoNiAlxMnx. Full text in Research Archive
• Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora; Bazioti, Kalliopi; Mikheenko, Pavlo & Diplas, Spyridon (2021). Tailoring mechanical and magnetic properties of the FeCoNi(AlMn)x high entropy alloys via compositional alterations. Full text in Research Archive
• Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Bazioti, Kalliopi; Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora; Mikheenko, Pavlo & Diplas, Spyridon (2021). Additively manufactured FeCoNi(AlMn)x high entropy alloys: Mechanical and magnetic properties investigation. Full text in Research Archive
• Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Bazioti, Kalliopi; Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora; Mikheenko, Pavlo & Diplas, Spyridon (2021). Investigation of High Entropy Alloys via Magnetic Force Microscopy. Full text in Research Archive
• Bazioti, Kalliopi; Poulia, Anthoula; Løvvik, Ole Martin; Azar, Amin S.; Mikheenko, Pavlo & Diplas, Spyridon [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Structural evolution of FeCoNi(AlMn)x high-entropy alloy and impact on magnetic properties: nano-scale STEM-EELS investigations. Full text in Research Archive
• Poulia, Anthoula; Azar, Amin S.; Svec, Peter; Bazioti, Kalliopi; Belle, Branson & Gunnæs, Anette Eleonora [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Nanoscale Magnetic Properties of Additively Manufactured FeCoNiAlxMnx High-Entropy Alloys. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Magnetic properties of High-Entropy Alloys based on the Fe-Co-Ni-Al-Mn system are reported. High-Entropy Alloys are cutting-edge technological materials containing five or more elements in relatively high concentrations (5–35 at.%) within one or several solid-state solutions. These solutions are stabilized at the nanometer scale due to the high contribution of the mixing entropy to the Gibbs free energy, which can overcome the enthalpic contribution. Two magnetic alloys are found in FeCoNiAlxMnx (1.6 at.%  x  7.8 at.%) samples processed by laser metal deposition. The magnetic techniques used to screen the materials were magneto-optical imaging and magnetic force microscopy. The former allows characterizing magnetic properties within the mm-μm scale, while the latter is efficient down to the nanometer scale. Magnetic screening confirms the importance of the nanostructure in defining magnetic properties of the alloys, and the trends in the magnetic behavior as a function of the alloy composition are revealed. The experimental results suggest that it is possible to form unique alloys, which may outperform conventional magnetic materials used in a variety of applications such as transformers, screening shields and wind power generators.

View all works in NVA