Elastic properties of a Sc-Zr-Nb-Ta-Rh-Pd high-entropy alloy superconductor

We report a comprehensive study on the elastic properties of a hexanary high-entropy alloy superconductor (ScZrNbTa)${}_{0.685}$[RhPd]${}_{0.315}$ at room and cryogenic temperatures, by Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy experiments. The derived elastic constants are bulk modulus $K=132.7$ GPa, Young’s modulus $E=121.0$ GPa, shear modulus $G=44.9$ GPa, and Poisson’s ratio $\nu$=0.348 for room temperature. The Young’s and shear moduli are $\sim 10\mathrm{\%}$ larger than those in NbTi superconductor with similar $T_c$, while the ductility is comparable. Moreover, the mechanical performance is further enhanced at cryogenic temperature. Our work confirms the advantageous mechanical properties of high-entropy alloy superconductors and suggests the application prospects.