Microstructure and Wear Properties of AlCu2(NiCr)2Ti-(WC)x HEA Composite Coatings on TC11 via Coincident CWW-Powder Plasma Cladding

Abstract:

The high-entropy alloy composite coatings AlCu₂Ti(NiCr)₂-(WC)_x (x denotes powder feeding speeds, including 0, 25, 50, and 75 r/min) were prepared by plasma cladding using a hybrid mode of AlCu₂(NiCr)₂Ti cable-type welding wire (CWW) and tungsten carbide (WC) powder. The effect of WC powder feeding speed on the microstructure, hardness, and wear properties of the prepared coatings was investigated. The results show that the coatings consist of body-centered cubic main phases and face-centered cubic secondary phases, with carbide reinforcement phases formed due to the addition of WC. The hardness and wear resistance of the coatings are significantly improved compared to the TC11 substrate. When WC powder feeding speed is set at 50 r/min, the coating exhibits optimal wear resistance, with a minimum volume wear rate of 8.5869×10^-6 mm³·N^-1·m^-1, greatly improving the wear properties of TC11 surface. The coincident CWW-powder plasma cladding provides a viable method for the preparation of high-entropy alloy composite coatings with enhanced wear resistance.