Effect of laser energy densities on the phase composition change in laser-cladded AlCoCrNbMo high-entropy alloy coatings

Abstract

This work designed a new high-entropy alloy (HEA), namely, AlCoCrNbMo, and prepared it by using laser cladding (LC). The effects of different values of laser energy density (Es) on the phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the HEA coating were investigated via X-ray diffractometry; scanning electron microscopy; energy dispersive spectrometry and microhardness, friction wear and electrochemical tests. Results indicate that increasing Es (Es = 35, 55, 75 J/mm2) leads to the formation of different phases, including bcc1, bcc1 +bcc2 and bcc1 +bcc2 +Al3Nb, in the coating. The bcc1 phase is rich in Co and Cr elements, whereas the bcc2 phase is rich in Nb and Mo elements. As Es increases, the HEA coating shows increasing hardness and wear resistance but decreasing corrosion resistance. Moreover, the AlCoCrNbMo alloy prepared through vacuum arc melting does not conform to the form of HEAs but is instead composed of various intermetallic compounds, reflecting the unique advantage of LC. This paper discusses the influence of LC process parameters on the microstructure of HEAs and the unique advantages of LC for HEA preparation.