History of High Entropy Alloys

Abstract

High entropy alloys (HEAs) have radically transformed the traditional alloy design approach as one of the most important discoveries that will shape the future of materials science. This comprehensive study provides a detailed analysis of the emergence story and scientific evolution of this innovative material class based on the multicomponent equation approach and provides a detailed analysis of the radical change in materials engineering. The HEAs approach, which breaks the principle of “main element dominance,” transforms the concept of entropy from “avoidable disorder” to “usable design tool,” covering a wide range from the concept of entropy engineering to industrial applications. Theoretical foundations such as the entropy stabilization mechanism, synergistic interaction principle, and compositional balance approach presented in the study explain the capacity of HEAs to solve contradictory property problems, while fundamental discoveries such as unexpected phase stability are emphasized as important findings. This historical review fills an important gap in the academic literature by documenting in detail the scientific evolution from the first theoretical foundations in the 1960s to today’s industrial applications and provides guidance for future research directions. The groundbreaking achievements, especially in the aerospace, automotive, energy, and biomedical sectors, prove that HEAs have great potential beyond being mere academic curiosities. This work is an indispensable guide for materials scientists and engineers, revealing the new possibilities that an innovative approach that explores the creative potential of complexity will open in sustainable technologies and advanced engineering applications. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.