Friction and wear behavior of single-phase high-entropy alloy FeCoNiCrMn under MoS2-oil lubrication

Abstract

PurposeThe face-centered cubic structured single-phase FeCoNiCrMn high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were prepared to study the friction and wear behavior of HEAs under MoS2-oil lubrication.Design/methodology/approachFeCoNiCrMn alloys were subjected to ball-on-disc reciprocating sliding against the GCr15 ball. L25(56) orthogonal wear tests were designed for velocity Vrel (4.167-20.833 mm/s), load FN (10-50 N), temperature T (RT-140 °C) and time t (5-20 min). Based on orthogonal test results, multivariate repeated measures ANOVA was performed, and further comparative experiments were conducted for Vrel, FN and T. Energy dispersive spectrometer and scanning electron microscope were applied to characterize the surface morphology of wear scar and its element distribution.FindingsVrel, FN and t exerted the most significant influence (p < 0.01) on the average friction coefficient f. Vrel and FN were identified as the momentous effect (p < 0.01) on wear volume ΔV. T (≥50 °C) had positive correlation with f and ΔV, and both Vrel and FN correlated negatively with f. The dominant abrasive wear was attributed to the large hardness difference of the friction pair. Fatigue wear and delamination wear were experienced at higher speeds (Vrel ≥ 12.5 mm/s) and loading levels (FN ≥ 40 N). Elevated temperature weakens the lubrication effect of MoS2-oil and the mechanical properties of FeCoNiCrMn matrix, intensifying abrasive wear.Originality/valueThis study is expected to provide references for exploration on the wear behavior of single-phase HEAs under complex working conditions with lubrication and hence will help develop the application of HEAs in practical engineering.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0303