Optimization for carbide distribution and ratio to improve the tribological performance of FCC-based (CrFeNi)100-xCx medium-entropy alloys (x=0,4,8) fabricated by powder metallurgy

In this study, a set of FCC-based (CrFeNi)(100-x)C-x (x = 0,4,8) medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) were prepared by spark plasm sintering (SPS) using atomized alloy powders as raw material. As designed MEAs are systematically evaluated for their tribological performance based on carbon content effects. The CFNC0 has a single FCC structure, while CFNC4 and CFNC8 have an FCC matrix with M23C6 carbides dispersed. The increased carbon content in the MEAs not only enhances the hardness of the alloy, but also reduce the scraping and penetration of the worn surface by the counterpart ball, which significantly reduces the wear rate. Under the normal load of 20 N, the specific wear rate of CFNC8 is just 8.02 x 10(-5) mm(3)/(N.m), which is about half that of CFNC0.

Automated summary

In this study, a set of FCC-based medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) with varying carbon content were prepared and evaluated for their tribological performance. The results showed that increasing the carbon content not only improved the hardness of the alloy, but also reduced wear and minimized surface scraping and penetration.