The effect of pulse current density on the microstructure, magnetic, mechanical, and corrosion properties of high-entropy alloy coating Fe–Co–Ni–Mo–W, achieved through electro co-deposition

This paper describes the preparation of novel FeCoNiMoW high-entropy alloy coatings using the pulse current electrodeposition method and the effect of pulse current densities of 2, 6, and 10 A/dm 2 on the coatings' characteristics. XRD, TEM, EDS, and FESEM were used to perform phase, elemental, and morphological evaluations, respectively. The coatings’ microhardness, magnetic, wear, and corrosion properties were also investigated. The results confirmed the formation of FeCoNiMoW alloy coatings with high entropy. When the current density increased, the morphology changed from a dome to a cauliflower structure. The coexistence of amorphous and nanocrystalline phases was demonstrated by XRD and TEM. Small coercivity (11 Oe-18 Oe) was achieved due to the unique microstructure. The lowest coercivity (11Oe), highest hardness (682 HV), highest wear resistance (COF= 0.5), and highest corrosion resistance (i corr = 3.2 μm/cm 2 ) were obtained at a current density of 6 A/cm 2 . • FeCoNiWMo high-entropy alloy coatings were produced via pluse electro co-deposition method. • Current density influences the properties of the FeCoNiWMo high entropy alloy coatings. • The optimized condition used to deposit FeCoNiWMo coating is at 6 A/dm 2 current density. • Coatings exhibits superior soft-magnetic properties.