Investigation of phase transition, tribological behavior and wear mechanisms of WC-enhanced biphase eutectic high entropy alloy by fast hot pressing sintering.

The wear resistance of materials is crucial in mechanical component design, but there has been limited research on the tribological behavior of WC-reinforced high entropy alloy(HEA) to date. Therefore, this study used fast hot pressing sintering to fabricate WC/AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 metal matrix composites (MMCs). It was observed that: 1. The HEAs matrix had a biphase eutectic structure with FCC and BCC phases, while the interfacial layer consisted of M 7 C 3 and M 23 C 6 (M=Cr, W). 2. MMCs showed proportional increases in microhardness, nanoindentation and wear resistance with reinforced particle addition. 3. During frictional processes, an oxide film formed providing material protection, enhancing stability and reducing friction-induced losses. Adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and three-body abrasion were identified as primary types of observed wear. • The WC/AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 composites were prepared by FHPS with good interfacial bonding. • M 23 C 6 and M 7 C 3 phases (where M=Cr, W) precipitate at the interface. • The presence of an oxide film greatly improves friction stability. • The main types of wear include adhesive, abrasive, and three-body abrasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]