Sustainable High Entropy CaRBIdEs: design, optimized synthesis and plastic deformation mechanisms

A new class of ceramic materials: high entropy carbides (HEC), is examined. Their partially disordered structure: at least four types of metal atoms positioned randomly in cation sites but carbon atoms regularly positioned in anion sublattice, exhibits unique physical properties and enables tuning them. Typical HECs are rich in critical raw materials (CRM) that present ethical, sustainability and supply chain issues. The overall objective of this project is to create crucial scientific knowledge that enables the development of next generation high entropy carbides based on sustainable raw materials and compositions that favour plasticity over brittle failure. This will be achieved by integrating computational design, optimised synthesis and plastic deformation studies. International collaborations are established with some of the top research groups in the world. The project will provide groundbreaking new knowledge on HECs and ductile ceramics in general.