A fundamental understanding of the strength of multi-component alloys relies on well-defined experiments accompanied by accurate modelling. Whilst much work has been done so far for equi-atomic alloys, little has been done to investigate the effect of solid solution strengthening for alloys with deliberately adjusted composition with varying concentration. This systematic approach is utilised as key tool to investigate solid solution strengthening for highly concentrated, and single-phase, Au-Cu-Ni-Pd-Pt alloys.
Structure and Microstructure are analysed on a wide range of length scale by means of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. The mechanical properties are determined by hardness and compression tests. We give insights into the correlation between the microstructure and the obtained mechanical properties of the investigated alloys. The present results highlight solution solution as well as segregation strengthening effects of precious high entropy alloys.