PROJECT TYPE:

• Scientific Research

PROJECT DURATION:

• October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2029

PROJECT LEADER AND TEAM MEMBERS:

Project Leader:

• Assoc. Prof. Lovro Liverić, Ph.D.

Project Team Members:

• Assoc. Prof. Łukasz Hawełek, DSc.
• Assoc. Prof. Marko Kršulja, Ph.D.
• Assist. Prof. Damir Karabaić, Ph.D.
• Tymon Warski, M.Sc. Eng., Research Assistant / PhD Student.

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The aim of the project is to investigate the influence and correlation of the alloying chemical elements Mn and Ti (X = Mn; Y = Ti) within the FeCoNiXY alloy system, along with the processing parameters and optimal heat treatment, on the microstructural, mechanical, and magnetic properties of new high-entropy FeCoNiMnTi alloys. The project methodology includes optimization of alloy composition through thermodynamic modeling, determination of critical phase transformation temperatures using thermal analysis (DSC, DTA), sample preparation by vacuum arc melting, and targeted heat treatments. Detailed microstructural and phase characterization will be performed using optical microscopy (OM), SEM-EDS, EBSD, TEM, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Magnetic properties will be evaluated using a VSM magnetometer, while mechanical and tribological properties will be assessed by compression and tensile testing, as well as hardness measurements. The expected contribution of the project lies in deepening the understanding of the relationship between chemical composition, microstructure, and functional properties of high-entropy alloys, thereby enabling the development of new materials for industrial applications, particularly in energy and electromechanical systems. The project will directly contribute to energy consumption reduction, improved efficiency of industrial devices, and, in the long term, strengthen the capacities of the Juraj Dobrila University of Pula in the field of advanced materials while enhancing its international scientific recognition and competitiveness.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

The main goal of the project is to thoroughly investigate the influence and correlation of the alloying elements Mn and Ti (X = Mn; Y = Ti) within the FeCoNiXY alloy system, along with the processing parameters and optimal heat treatment, on the microstructural, mechanical, and magnetic properties of new high-entropy FeCoNiMnTi alloys. Specific objectives include determining the optimal ratio of alloying elements (Mn and Ti) that ensures a balance between soft magnetic properties (low coercivity and high magnetization) and superior mechanical performance (strength, hardness, wear resistance). Through detailed characterization, the project will examine the impact of preparation and heat treatment on the microstructural evolution and functional properties of the materials, with the ultimate goal of developing high-performance materials suitable for industrial applications in the fields of energy, electric motors, transformers, and similar technical systems.

PROJECT HOLDER: Juraj Dobrila University of Pula