Effect of Nb Content on the Microstructure and Friction Properties of Cu0.3Cr2Fe2Ni3Mn2Nbx High-Entropy Alloys
摘要
Cu0.3Cr2Fe2Ni3Mn2Nbx high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with varying Nb contents (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4 mol, designated as Nb0, Nb0.2, and Nb0.4, respectively) were produced via an arc melting process. The microstructure, microhardness, and friction properties of the alloys were examined. Results indicated that with the increase in Nb content, HEA transformed from a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure to a mixed one consisting of FCC major phase and a small amount of Laves phase. The hardness of HEA also increased from 127 HV of Nb0 alloy to 203 HV of Nb0.4 alloy, the average coefficient of friction decreased from 0.741 to 0.68, and the wear rate decreased from 7.92 × 10−5 mm3·m−1 to 6.58 × 10−5 mm3·m−1. The improvement of the hardness and friction properties of Cu0.3Cr2Fe2Ni3Mn2Nbx HEAs was mainly attributed to the solid solution strengthening of Nb element and the precipitation strengthening of Laves phase. The wear mechanism of this alloy is mainly adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear.