An investigation on the tribological behaviour of AlCrCuNiFe high entropy alloy optimized TIG weld cladding in room temperature conditions

Abstract

In the current study, the tribological behaviour of the AlCrCuNiFe high entropy alloy TIG weld cladding deposited on 1045 steel substrate has been investigated. Taguchi's L9-GRA (grey relational analysis) approach was used to design experiments and optimize the welding parameters. The microstructural investigation revealed that the samples as-deposited at run no. 7 and optimized settings exhibited uniform and dense claddings. The microhardness and abrasive wear tests were conducted at room temperature. The optimized cladding exhibited average weight loss and microhardness of 27.12 mg and 738.25 HV0.3, whereas the substrate showed average weight loss and microhardness of 147.26 mg and 320 HV0.3, respectively. The worn surfaces of claddings showed wear debris, deeper grooves, micro-cutting, and micro ploughing resulting from the abrasion.