Effects of WC and Al₂O₃ on the microstructure and erosion wear resistance of FeAlCoCrCuTi_0.4 high-entropy alloy coating by argon arc cladding

FeAlCoCrCuTi_0.4, WC/Al₂O₃-FeAlCoCrCuTi_0.4 high-entropy alloy (HEA) coating had been cladded by means of argon arc cladding. The effects of WC and Al₂O₃ on microstructure and properties of FeAlCoCrCuTi_0.4 high entropy alloy coatings were investigated by means of XRD, SEM, EDS, hardness testing and erosion wear testing. The results show that the alloy coating prepared by argon arc cladding has good formability, no holes, cracks and other defects, and high strength metallurgical bonding with the matrix. The addition of WC and Al₂O₃ has a significant effect on reducing the dilution rate of the coating. The three kinds of coatings are mainly composed of BCC phase (Fe-Cr solid solution), and the grains exist in the form of cellular dendrites. After adding WC, the grain size is obviously refined, and the hardness of the coating is 685.8 HV under various strengthening effects. The addition of WC and Al₂O₃ significantly improved the erosion wear resistance of the coating, and the wear resistance could almost reach 2 times of that of FeAlCoCrCuTi_0.4 high entropy alloy coating.