Study on Microstructure and Properties of WC Particle-Reinforced FeCoCrNi-Matrix High Entropy Alloy Composites

In recent years, high entropy alloy (HEA) matrix composites have undergone rapid development. In this work, the effects of different WC contents (10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, and 30 wt.%) on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of FeCoCrNi HEA matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) were studied. The results show that the WC-HEA composites are mainly composed of an FCC matrix phase (Ni, Fe) and carbide phases (Cr₇C₃, Co₃W₃C, WC, etc.). The hardness of the 30 WC-HEA composites was the highest at 459.2 HV, which is 71.2% higher than the 268.3 HV of the pure matrix material. Similarly, the compressive yield strength of the 30 WC-HEA composite was the largest, reaching 1315.1 MPa, which is 112.1% higher than that of the pure matrix material. However, the compression deformation rate of the 30 WC-HEA composite significantly decreased to 16.6%. Under the same dry friction conditions, the addition of an appropriate amount of WC particles can reduce the friction coefficient of the HEA matrix. The wear volume of the composites decreased rapidly with the increase of WC content. The wear volume of 30 WC-HEA was the lowest, only 3.17% of that of the pure matrix material.