High Entropy Alloy Ni-Fe-Ti-Hf-Nb Addition Effect on Microstructure, Mechanical and Wear Behaviour of A356 Composite Fabricated by FSP Technique

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) have garnered substantial interest recently due to their unique blend of properties stemming from the presence of multiple elements in equiatomic or near-equiatomic compositions. This study delved into the impact of Ni-Fe-Ti-Hf-Nb addition as a high entropy alloy on the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and wear behavior of an A356 composite. Fabricated through Friction Stir Processing (FSP), the composite benefited from refined microstructure and enhanced properties. The incorporation of Ni-Fe-Ti-Hf-Nb HEA altered the microstructure of the A356 composite, fostering unique phase formation, grain refinement, and improved homogeneity. These changes potentially translated to enhanced mechanical properties, notably hardness and tensile strength. Moreover, the addition of Ni-Fe-Ti-Hf-Nb HEA bolstered the wear resistance of the A356 composite. Consequently, the composite exhibited improved suitability for applications under abrasive or erosive conditions, with a notable 22.12% enhancement in tensile strength compared to A356 alone and a surface hardness boosted from 62 HV to 88 HV.