The effects of processing parameters on hardness, microstructure and corrosion resistance of AlTiZrNbVCr high-entropy alloy

¹ Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, P.M.B. X680, Pretoria, South Africa
² Center for Energy and Electric Power, Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology
³ National Laser Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

The high-entropy alloys AlTiZrNbVCr (HEAs) are suitable for many applications due to their light weight, high strength, thermal and oxidation resistance. Traditional fabricating methods for HEAs often introduce defects, affecting their mechanical properties and performance. Advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing, have been explored to improve microstructures and mechanical characteristics. In this research, the resistance of HEAs to wear and nano-hardness properties was investigated. The sample of HEAs was fabricated via laser additive manufacturing, while the experimental analysis was performed using an X-ray diffraction system (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The result shows that sample A has the highest hardness and wear-resistant microstructure when compared with the other samples B and C. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) SEM processing image was determined at a length scale of the dendrite structure to be LC 192 µm. HEAs are applicable in solid hydrogen energy storage and submarines, especially in propulsion systems where space is limited and a high energy density is required.