CoxCrFeNiTi High-Entropy Alloys Prepared via Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering for Magnetron Sputtering Coatings

The main objective of this study was to develop a high-entropy alloy (HEA) derived from the CoxCrFeNiTi HEA system (x = 0.5, 1) for protective coatings using magnetron sputtering method. In order produce targets required process, mechanically alloyed metallic powders were consolidated via spark plasma sintering (SPS). microstructural analysis results mixture presented morphology changes after 30 h alloying, with particles presenting uniform polygonal shapes and dimensions. Subsequently, 316L stainless steel (SS) specimens coated sputtering, comparing their composition that used deposition establish stoichiometry. Microstructural analyses SPSed HEAs revealed no defects indicated elemental distribution across surface. Furthermore, CoCrFeNiTi equiatomic exhibited nearly stoichiometric composition, both in coating target. XRD amorphous obtained Co0.5CrFeNiTi HEA, nanoindentation tests hardness 596 ± 22 HV, compared 570 19 HV measured Co0.5CrFeNiTi, suggesting an improved wear resistance.