Advances in particle-reinforced high-entropy alloys: Preparation, particle characterization, properties, and prospects

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have received substantial attention due to their unique multi-element chemistry and excellent combination of properties, but further enhancement in properties is often required for demanding applications. Particle reinforcement has emerged as a promising approach to strengthen HEAs and tailor their behavior. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in particle-reinforced HEAs, covering in-situ precipitation of particles and ex-situ introduction of reinforcements. It reviews a range of synthesis strategies including powder metallurgy and laser-based additive manufacturing. This article also compares their effectiveness in controlling microstructure, particle dispersion, densification, and scalability. The effects of various reinforcement types such as oxides, carbides, borides, and carbonaceous nanomaterials on their mechanical properties are analyzed. Numerous studies reported the significant improvement in hardness, yield strength and high-temperature stability of HEA composites with the incorporation of nano-to micro-scale particles, although challenges remain in maintaining ductility and achieving uniform particle distribution. This review highlights key processing–structure–property relationships and discusses the outstanding challenges like particle agglomeration, interface compatibility and process scale-up. Future perspectives are envisioned on the development of optimized fabrication methods and interface engineering strategies to fully realize the potential of particle-reinforced HEAs in advanced structural applications.