Influence of WC12Co on the Microstructure and Tribological Performance of HVAF-Sprayed AlCoCrFeNi High Entropy Alloy Coating

Wednesday, May 7, 2025: 1:30 PM
Room 7 (Vancouver Convention Centre)
Dr. Payank Patel , Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
Dr. Ashok Meghwal , Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
Mr. Stefan Björklund , University West, Department of Engineering Science, Trollhättan, Sweden
Shrikant Joshi , University West, Trollhattan, Västra Götaland, Sweden
Prof. Paul Munroe , University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Prof. Christopher C. Berndt , Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
Prof. Andrew Ang , Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
Prof. Christian Moreau , Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
Prof. Pantcho Stoyanov , Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
The remarkable mechanical and wear properties of thermally sprayed high entropy alloy (HEA) coatings have opened exciting possibilities for aerospace applications under demanding environments. In this work, equiatomic AlCoCrFeNi HEA and WC12Co-reinforced AlCoCrFeNi HEA composite coatings were fabricated using the high velocity air fuel (HVAF) process. The addition of WC12Co to the HEA matrix significantly increased hardness and yield strength, enhancing the overall performance of the composite coatings. Ex-situ characterization was performed using XRD for phase analysis and SEM-EDS for cross-sectional microscopy. Both HVAF-sprayed coatings exhibited a typical lamellar structure, with phases including BCC + B2 and minor FCC phases. The WC12Co-AlCoCrFeNi composite additionally displayed metal carbide phases, along with variations in porosity and unmelted particles. The dry sliding wear behavior of the coatings was evaluated up to 450°C using a ball-on-disc tribometer against alumina counterballs. The incorporation of WC12Co within the HEA matrix improved both mechanical and tribological properties, mainly through carbide reinforcement, BCC structure, and grain boundary strengthening. This strategic addition minimized plastic deformation and reduced the true contact area, leading to a lower coefficient of adhesion and enhanced wear resistance. These results emphasize the potential of reinforced HEA coatings as advanced tribological materials for high-temperature applications
See more of: Tribology and Wear of Aerospace Materials
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