Study on microstructure and wear resistance of laser cladding TiAlZrVNi X high entropy alloy coating based on Laves phase modulation

The incorporation of Laves phase into HEAs coating represents a novel approach to enhance wear resistance, building upon the innovative background of titanium alloy surface protection. The TiAlZrVNi X (X = 1, 1.5, 2) HEAs coatings were prepared in this study using laser cladding advantages to achieve dependable wear-resistant coatings. The microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, and tribological properties of the HEA coatings were simultaneously investigated. TiAlZrVNi X coatings were composed of V-rich HCP solid solution phases, C14-Laves phases, and NiTi 2 phases. The microhardness of the 1.5Ni coating measured 708.75HV 0.3 and wear rate of 1.12 × 10 −13 m 3 N −1  m −1. The primary wear mechanism was abrasive wear, and it had been confirmed that the 1.5Ni coating exhibited best wear resistance. The Laves phase with high space utilization would produce precipitation strengthening and dispersion strengthening, effectively reducing the stress-induced microcrack diffusion. Additionally, the introduction of Ni elements induced the growth of the NiTi 2 phase in order to enhance the strength while mitigating brittleness, thereby enhancing the wear resistance of the coatings.