Dry-Sliding Wear Response of MoTaWNbV High Entropy Alloy

In this work, the tribological performance of Mo20Ta20W20Nb20V20 Refractory High Entropy Alloy was examined. The alloy's wear response was tested under different experimental conditions. With the use of a metallic ball as a counter body partner, the morphology of the wear track and the presence of Fe oxides controlled the wear rate. When using a ceramic ball for the same sliding distances, similar observations were made regarding the width of the wear tracks and the reduction of the friction coefficient with an increase of the sliding distance. The examination of the debris further explained the wear mechanisms in every case. Finally, by comparing the wear response of Mo20Ta20W20Nb20V20 with that of a commercial super alloy, the improved behavior of the High Entropy Alloy was highlighted in all cases.