Evolution of tribological properties of laser cladding 3D transition metal high entropy alloy coatings

Abstract

High entropy alloys (HEAs) represent an innovative approach in alloy design, characterized by the incorporation of multiple principal elements and a wide array of compositional possibilities. Variations in the type and concentration of alloying elements have been found to modify the coatings' crystal structure, thereby influencing their mechanical and tribological characteristics. The addition of metallic elements (e.g., Cu, Nb, Mo, Ti, Al) has been found to modify the phase structure and grain size of the coatings. Furthermore, the inclusion of non-metallic elements (e.g., C, N, Si, B) and ceramic reinforced particles (e.g., TiN, TiB₂, WC) primarily enhance wear resistance by the formation of reinforcing phases. The primary objective of this work is to investigate the mechanisms by which alloying elements modify the friction and wear properties of HEACs. Furthermore, this work explores the potential applications of HEACs, aiming to establish a theoretical framework to guide future research and practical developments.