Electrodeposited FeCoNiWMo high entropy alloy/SiC nanocomposite coatings: Microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance

Abstract

In this study, FeCoNiWMo/SiC high entropy alloy nanocomposite coatings were deposited at various contents of SiC nanoparticles in the bath. The effect of the addition of SiC nanoparticles on some properties of the electrodeposited FeCoNiWMo high entropy alloy matrix was evaluated. The morphological, elemental, and phase structure were analyzed by SEM, EDX, and XRD. For mechanical measurements, Vickers microhardness and pin-on-disk wear test were performed. A potentiostat-galvanostat device was used to determine corrosion resistance. The results show that the incorporation of SiC nanoparticles changes both the microstructure and morphology of the matrix from amorphous with FCC solid solution and nodular morphology to FCC solid solution with granular structure. By increasing the SiC content, the coatings showed improved microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion performance. At optimum concentration (20 g/L), the nanocomposite exhibited the highest microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.