Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Laser cladding of Ti50Nb15V15Zr5Cr5Al10 high-entropy alloy on Ti6Al4V produces a single body-centered cubic phase coating with significantly enhanced hardness compared to the substrate. • The HEA coating fabricated at 2200 W exhibits the best wear and corrosion resistance, with wear volumes only 24.7%–45.5% of the substrate and corrosion rate reduced by an order of magnitude. • Adhesive wear dominates the friction mechanism, with high-temperature oxide formation contributing to the tribological behavior. • The presence of Cr and Al promotes the formation of a dense passive film, which is key to the improved corrosion resistance of the coatings.
Abstract
This work investigated tribological behavior and corrosion resistance of laser cladding (LC) Ti50Nb15V15Zr5Cr5Al10 high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates. Microstructural characterization illustrated that there was only body centered cubic phase in the HEA coating. Besides, the coatings of different laser power all exhibited obviously higher hardness than the substrate. It is illustrated that the microstructure of the HEA coatings is composed of body centered cubic phase, and the temperature gradient contributes to the distribution difference between the equiaxed and columnar grains. Meanwhile, the relationships between the tribological behavior, corrosion resistance and alloying elements have been illustrated. The HEA coating with 2200 W holds the best wear and corrosion resistance. During the friction process, there are many oxides formed at high temperatures, and adhesive wear contributes most to the wear mechanism of the coatings. The wear volumes of the HEA coatings are only 24.7% to 45.5% of that of the Ti6Al4V substrate. Due to the alloying elements like Cr and Al, there is dense passive film formed during the corrosion process, thereby leading to better corrosion resistance of the coatings. The corrosion rates of the HEA coatings with 2200 W and Ti6Al4V substrate are 5.34×10−3 mm/a and 2.69×10−2 mm/a, respectively.
1. Introduction
Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, characterized by its lightweight, non-magnetic properties, high specific strength, fatigue resistance, and excellent corrosion resistance in seawater, has become a critical material for components in deep-sea drilling such as drill pipes and drill bits [1]. Despite the outstanding corrosion resistance of titanium alloy drilling components, prolonged operation of deep-sea drilling equipment in extreme environments with combined effects of high temperature and pressure, wear, and erosion leads to severe surface damage due to the synergistic action of wear and erosion [2]. Consequently, there is an urgent need to apply suitable surface protection coating materials to enhance the wear and erosion resistance of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy components.
Currently, approximately 5% of the global titanium supply is consumed by the offshore industry. While titanium has been employed in offshore operations for about 20 years, significant advancements have occurred over the past decade, particularly in oil and gas exploration. Due to its excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, titanium is extensively used in offshore platforms and subsea applications.
Currently, surface protective coating materials for titanium alloys have emerged as one of the focal points of research in the field of new materials [3]. Laser cladding is an advanced surface modification technology that utilizes a high-energy laser beam to melt and solidify overlay materials on the substrate surface, forming a protective coating [4]. Its rapid solidification rate enables the atta...
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QIU Hao, ZHU Jiang-qi, GUO Yi-fan, DONG Zhen, WU Li-hua, YUE You-shu, QIU Yao, YAN Xing-chen (2025). Friction and corrosion behavior of laser cladding Ti50Nb15V15Zr5Cr5Al10 high-entropy alloy. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-025-6120-2
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of this study?
The study investigates the tribological behavior and corrosion resistance of laser cladding Ti50Nb15V15Zr5Cr5Al10 high-entropy alloy coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates, aiming to enhance surface protection for deep-sea drilling components.
What are the key findings regarding the microstructure of the HEA coating?
The HEA coating consists solely of a body-centered cubic (BCC) phase, with a distribution of equiaxed and columnar grains influenced by temperature gradients during solidification.
How does the HEA coating compare to the Ti6Al4V substrate in terms of wear and corrosion resistance?
The HEA coating, especially at 2200 W, exhibits significantly better wear resistance (wear volumes only 24.7%–45.5% of the substrate) and corrosion resistance (corrosion rate 5.34×10−3 mm/a vs. 2.69×10−2 mm/a for the substrate).
What is the dominant wear mechanism for the HEA coatings?
Adhesive wear is the dominant wear mechanism, with high-temperature oxide formation playing a significant role during friction.
Why do the HEA coatings exhibit better corrosion resistance?
The presence of alloying elements like Cr and Al promotes the formation of a dense passive film on the coating surface, which enhances corrosion resistance.
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