Adding high entropy alloys to improve microstructure and properties of laser cladding Fe-based amorphous coatings

In this study, the A-H coatings (abbreviation for Fe-based amorphous and high-entropy alloy), which is consist of Fe-based amorphous powders and adding trace high-entropy alloy (HEA) powders, were prepared via laser cladding technique. The microstructure and properties of the A-H coatings and the Fe-based amorphous coatings were investigated in detail using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that the number of pores, cracks and dendrites of the A-H coatings is reduced due to the formation of Fe3Ni embedded in amorphous phase compared with Fe-based amorphous coatings. The average microhardness of the A-H coatings is about 1519.2±35.7 HV0.2, which is improved by 38.7%. The wear rate of the A-H coatings is found to decrease by 45.8%. Furthermore, A-H coatings exhibited exceptional corrosion resistance, with a polarization resistance that increased by 31.7%. The addition of HEA is a potential strategy to improve microstructure and properties of Fe-based amorphous coatings.