Study on microstructure and wear resistance of laser cladding TiAlZrVNiX high entropy alloy coating based on Laves phase modulation

The incorporation of Laves phase into HEAs coating represents a novel approach to enhance wear resistance, building upon the innovative background of titanium alloy surface protection. The TiAlZrVNiX (X = 1, 1.5, 2) HEAs coatings were prepared in this study using laser cladding advantages to achieve dependable wear-resistant coatings. The microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, and tribological properties of the HEA coatings were simultaneously investigated. TiAlZrVNiX coatings were composed of V-rich HCP solid solution phases, C14-Laves phases, and NiTi2 phases. The microhardness of the 1.5Ni coating measured 708.75HV0.3 and wear rate of 1.12 × 10−13m3N−1 m−1. The primary wear mechanism was abrasive wear, and it had been confirmed that the 1.5Ni coating exhibited best wear resistance. The Laves phase with high space utilization would produce precipitation strengthening and dispersion strengthening, effectively reducing the stress-induced microcrack diffusion. Additionally, the introduction of Ni elements induced the growth of the NiTi2 phase in order to enhance the strength while mitigating brittleness, thereby enhancing the wear resistance of the coatings. •The TiAlZrVNiX (X = 1, 1.5, 2) HEAs coatings were prepared by laser cladding.•Laves phase was introduced by adding Ni element to improve the properties of the coating.•The Laves phase content was modulated by the NiTi2 phase.•The wear mechanisms of TiAlZrVNiX coatings displayed with varying Ni content were investigated.