The Effect of Molybdenum on the Alloy Properties of the CoCrNiFeMnNb System

The authors studied the influence of Mo and C on the properties of the CoCrNiFeMnNb alloy system. Quasi-high-entropy alloys (QHEAs) were smelted by partially using ferroalloys in the charge, unlike classical high-entropy alloys (HEAs). The Mo content was 2 and 4% mass. The C content was 0.45% mass in the experimental alloys. The C content was determined based on the initial content in the charge. The experimental alloy microstructure was represented by a solid FCC-type solution; Laves phases of various compositions; Me1Me2-type intermetallics; carbides Nb0.8, Cr0.2C, and Mo0.5NbC; and μ-phase NbCo2. All experimental alloys had higher hardness, strength, and wear resistance than the alloy without Mo and C. Increasing the Mo content in the alloy to 4% mass increased the hardness and, in particular, the wear resistance of the alloy. Strengthening the alloy with elements Mo and C is associated with forming a finer grain. Grain growth was limited by implementation phases, as well as dispersion strengthening due to solid implementation phases of various origins being formed.