Selected high-entropy alloys for thin film deposition, with improved mechanical and corrosion properties

High Entropy Alloys (HEA) are multi-principal element materials that have been intensively studied over the past decade. In this work, two Al-Fe-Cr-Ni-Cu HEAs were synthesized and processed into thin films by DC magnetron sputtering, and their structural, mechanical and electrochemical properties were systematically evaluated. The coatings exhibited dense, uniform structures with strong adhesion to 304 L stainless steel. Coatings hardness was higher than the substrate material. Electrochemical tests in 3.5 g/L NaCl solution revealed superior corrosion resistance for the I8-10-derived coating, which achieved the lowest corrosion rate (5.54E-05 mm/year) and the highest polarization resistance (5.470.008 Ω), outperforming both the bulk alloys and uncoated substrates.