Microstructure, hardness, and tribological properties of CoCrFeNiX (X = Mo, Ti, W) high entropy alloy coating by red-blue composite laser cladding on copper alloy

In this study, the problem of high reflectivity of copper alloy surface to traditional infrared laser beam was overcome by red-blue composite laser cladding technology. The problem of cracks and other defects caused by the large difference in thermal expansion coefficient between copper substrate and high entropy alloy coating was overcome by electroplating Ni intermediate layer on the surface of copper alloy. A high-entropy alloy coating with tight bonding and no obvious defects was successfully prepared on the surface of copper alloy. The phase composition, microstructure evolution, hardness and tribological properties of high-entropy alloy coatings after adding different elements were studied. The experimental results show that all the CoCrFeNi coatings are FCC phase. After the addition of Mo, Ti and W elements, σ phase rich in Mo and Cr, TiCo2-type Laves phase and Fe7W6-type μ phase appeared in the high entropy alloy coating, respectively. The average microhardness of CoCrFeNiX (X = Mo, Ti, W) high entropy alloy coatings reached 730 HV0.2, 1090 HV0.2 and 378 HV0.2, respectively. The wear rates of CoCrFeNiMo, CoCrFeNiTi and CoCrFeNiW high-entropy alloy coatings were 47.17 %, 90.56 % and 22.64 % lower than those of CoCrFeNi coating, respectively. The wear scars were analyzed by SEM and EDS, and the friction and wear behavior mechanism of CoCrFeNiX (X = Mo, Ti, W) high-entropy alloy coating was investigated. It is mainly composed of abrasive wear, adhesive wear and oxidation wear. The research results provide practical guidance for the preparation of high-entropy alloy coatings on copper surface, and lay a theoretical foundation for laser cladding such high-entropy alloy materials and substrate materials.