Phase evolution and high-temperature wear behavior of non-equiatomic metastable CoCrNiTiMox HEA coatings fabricated by high-velocity oxy-fuel technique

Abstract

The current research aims to enhance the tribological performance of maraging steels at high temperatures by surface modification techniques. CoCrNiTiMox (x; molar fraction, x = 0.5, 1.5) high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings with dense lamellar microstructures were deposited onto maraging steels using high-velocity oxy-fuel spray (HVOF). In order to achieve a uniform distribution of constituent elements for thermal spray deposition, mechanical alloying was employed to synthesize the HEA feedstock. The phases and microstructure of the synthesized HEA powder, as-sprayed coatings, and worn surfaces were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The as-sprayed HEA coatings exhibited metastability, with a BCC phase solid solution, NiTiO3 spinel, and an intermetallic MoNi phase for CoCrNiTiMo0.5 and Co2Mo3 phase for CoCrNiTiMo1.5. The average microhardness of CoCrNiTiMo0.5 and CoCrNiTiMo1.5 HEA coatings were 841 ± 62 HV0.3 and 952 ± 23 HV0.3, respectively. The specific wear rate and friction coefficients of CoCrNiTiMox HEA coatings exhibited a decreasing trend with an increase in temperature, owing to the formation of tribofilms on the worn surface. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the formation of NiMoO4 spinel for CoCrNiTiMo0.5 and MoO2, Co3O4 phases for CoCrNiTiMo1.5 HEA at a wear temperature of 600 °C. The investigation of worn surfaces showed a transformation in wear mechanisms from abrasive wear at room temperature to oxidative wear with mild fatigue at elevated temperatures.