Substantial enhancement of AlCoCrFeNiTiWC high-entropy alloy coating performance under water cooling and pulsed laser

Abstract

AlCoCrFeNiTiWC high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were prepared using laser cladding technology with continuous laser and air cooling, as well as pulsed laser with water cooling. The phase structures of the coatings were BCC, (Ti,W)C, and μ phase. The carbides and μ phase in the pulsed laser with water-cooled coating were refined, and the proportion of the μ phase decreased. The wear resistance of the pulsed laser with water-cooled coating significantly increased, which can be attributed to the reduction in the proportion of μ phase, the refinement of carbides, and the formation of a wear lubrication layer. The pulsed laser with water cooling enhanced the thickness and uniformity of the passivation film on the coating surface, thereby improving corrosion resistance.