Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Hf0.1Nb1.6Mo0.3Ta0.12C0.12 Medium-Entropy Niobium-Based Coating by Laser Metal Deposition
摘要
To address the low hardness and poor wear resistance of niobium (Nb) in practical applications, a Hf0.1Nb1.6Mo0.3Ta0.12C0.12 medium-entropy Nb-based coating was fabricated via laser metal deposition (LMD). The coating’s microstructure and tribological properties were systematically characterized. The coating exhibits a dense, defect-free microstructure with a strong metallurgical bond to the substrate. It primarily consists of a BCC phase with finely dispersed FCC-structured carbides. The microhardness reaches 365.26 HV0.2, 3.14 times that of Nb. At room temperature, the wear rate decreases by 14.46%, with adhesive and abrasive wear as dominant mechanisms. At 500°C, the wear rate reduction reaches 94.7%, with oxidative wear and slight adhesive wear. The Hf0.1Nb1.6Mo0.3Ta0.12C0.12 coating demonstrates excellent wear resistance from room temperature to 500°C, attributed to solid solution and precipitation strengthening. Further optimization of precipitate phases could enhance their hardness and wear resistance.