Microstructures and mechanical properties of FeCoCrNi high entropy alloy/WC reinforcing particles composite coatings prepared by laser cladding and plasma cladding

Abstract FeCoCrNi HEA coatings with 20% mass fraction of WC reinforcing particles were prepared by two different cladding methods, laser cladding (LC) and plasma cladding (PC). The microstructure of HEA matrix and WC particles of LC and PC coatings were discussed respectively. For HEA matrix, dendritic morphology was observed in both coatings. For WC particles, a few granular (Cr,W)2C carbides around WC particles in LC coatings, and a large number of crystal and fishbone Fe3W3C carbides around WC particles in PC coatings. Mechanical properties as hardness and wear resistance of the two kinds of coatings were also investigated. The interstitial solution strengthening effect of C element is stronger in PC coating, and the hardness of HEA matrix in LC coatings is twice that of in PC coating, which shows a strong retention force on WC particles. The friction coefficient of LC coating is lower and stable, with the volume wear rate of 0.7 × 10−5 mm−3/N·m, showing high wear resistance. PC coatings have poor wear resistance due to decarbonization and oxidation of WC particles and reduction of retention force of HEA matrix, with the volume wear rate of 8.29 × 10−5 mm−3/N·m. The wear mechanism of both coatings were also discussed.