Unveiling the tribological and corrosion characteristics of Ti20-Al16-V16-Fe16-Ni16-Cr16 high-entropy alloy developed via spark plasma sintering

Abstract

This research explores the corrosion resistance and anti-wear property of near-equimolar Ti20-Al16-V16-Fe16-Ni16-Cr16 High Entropy Alloys (HEAs), fabricated at varying temperatures through spark plasma sintering (SPS) procedure. The alloy powders were processed and sintered at temperatures ranging from 700°C to 1100°C, and the resulting HEAs underwent comprehensive characterization. The tribological behavior of these sintered HEAs and their corrosion response in sulfuric and chloride environments were systematically investigated. Microstructural analyses were conducted before and after exposure to corrosive media using a scanning electron microscope. Notably, the assessments in both acid and salt media revealed that HEAs sintered at 1100°C exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, whereas those sintered at 700°C displayed the least resistance. The wear rate is improved by 130% over Inconel 718 alloy in the created HEA. This research signifies the potential of Ti20-Al16-V16-Fe16-Ni16-Cr16 HEA prepared through tailored SPS procedures, as corrosion and wear resistance alternatives surpass the performance of Ti6AlV4 and traditional alloys.