The effect of Nb content on microstructural evolution and tribological performance of FeCoCrNiNbx high-entropy alloy layers
Source abstract
Abstract
FeCoCrNiNbx (x = 0-0.35) high-entropy alloy (HEA) layers were fabricated on AISI 420 stainless steel using laser surface alloying (LSA) with ∼30% dilution. Nb content, selected via Thermo-Calc, was varied while Fe, Co, and Cr were kept constant. The Nb-free layer consisted mainly of FCC dendrites with a minor Cr-rich σ phase. Nb addition promoted the Laves phase formation in interdendritic regions and transformed the microstructure from divorced to lamellar eutectic. The FCC lattice parameter and microstructural refinement increased with Nb content. Microhardness improved with Nb addition due to solid-solution strengthening and the Laves phase formation, reaching ∼498 HV for Nb0.35 (∼2× the substrate). Tribological behavior of LSA layers was assessed employing pin-on-disc wear test. All surface layers exhibited better wear resistance than the substrate. Among them, the Nb0.25 layer showed the lowest wear rate due to the uniform distribution of FCC and Laves phases and the formation of stable and protective oxide tribo-layers. Wear mode shifted from delamination to abrasion with increasing Nb. The higher fraction of intermetallic Laves phase in the Nb0.35 surface layer resulted in three-body abrasion and increased the wear rate.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: High Entropy Alloys Studies · Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes · High-Temperature Coating Behaviors
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
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