Microstructure and properties of high entropy alloy coating obtained by laser cladding

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Corrosion Science

Background:

• Corrosion significantly degrades metallic materials, reducing their service life and increasing maintenance costs.
• Laser cladding is a promising surface modification technique for enhancing material properties.
• Developing effective corrosion resistance strategies for common steels like 45# steel is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of laser cladding with high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings for improving the corrosion resistance of 45# steel.
• To evaluate the adhesion and protective qualities of the applied HEA coating.
• To demonstrate a viable method for enhancing the durability of 45# steel components.

Main Methods:

• Application of a high-entropy alloy coating onto 45# steel using laser cladding technology.
• Electrochemical testing to assess the corrosion performance of the coated substrate.
• Microscopic analysis to observe the surface morphology and film formation.

Main Results:

• The laser-clad HEA coating formed a smooth, protective film on the 45# steel surface.
• The coating exhibited excellent corrosion resistance in electrochemical tests.
• Superior adhesion between the HEA coating and the 45# steel substrate was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• Laser cladding with HEA coatings is an effective method to enhance the corrosion resistance of 45# steel.
• The developed coating provides significant protection, extending the lifespan of the base material.
• This approach offers a practical solution for improving the durability of steel components in corrosive environments.