Research on the laser melting coating process of an AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy

Abstract

Laser cladding technology is an advanced surface modification technique that has gained significant attention in various fields due to its energy savings, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. This paper discusses the preparation of AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings on the surface of a 5083 aluminum alloy using laser cladding technology under the Ar gas conditions. An orthogonal test system was used to optimize the laser cladding process parameters. The microstructure, as well as the mechanical, frictional, and electrochemical properties of the HEA coatings, were comparatively analyzed under the two process conditions S₄ and S₁₀. The results indicate that, under S₁₀, the HEA coatings exhibit optimal surface quality. The coatings contained a mixture of Face-centered cubic (FCC) and Body-centered cubic (BCC) phases. Microscopic examination revealed three distinct areas: dark, gray, and off-white. The coatings can significantly improve the wear and corrosion resistance of the alloy substrate. For the best results, it is set the laser power to 200 W, the laser scanning distance to .05 mm, and the laser scanning rate to 1250 mm/s. This present study offers a novel technical foundation for the fabrication of HEA coatings.