Tribological behaviors of CoFeNiCrMoCB high-entropy amorphous coating via experiment and simulation investigations

The exceptional wear resistance of high-entropy amorphous coatings can extend the service life of equipment components. However, it is vital to elucidate the nature of their microstructure stability and tribo-oxide films to ensure reliable application of the coating. In this study, the tribological behavior of Co 21 Fe 14 Ni 8 Cr 16 Mo 16 C 15 B 10 high-entropy amorphous coatings deposited via high-velocity air-fuel (HVAF) spraying was systematically examined through experimental and simulation investigations. The coating features a full amorphous phase, dense microstructure and elevated hardness. As the applied load increases from 10 N to 50 N, the flash temperature at the friction interface of the coating increases dramatically, while no crystallization behavior occurs. Additionally, the thickness of the amorphous tribo-oxide film formed at the friction interface rises by approximately 9 times. The relative wear resistance of the coating is 2.1 times that of 921 steel under identical wear conditions. Finite element analysis reveals that the maximum normal stress and shear stress are concentrated in the central region beneath the worn marks of the coatings, ultimately resulting in material spallation. The dominant wear mechanisms for the coatings are abrasive wear, oxidative wear and brittle spalling. These results provide significant insights into the development of wear-resistant coatings.