Synthesis and characterization of (HfMoTiWZr)C high entropy carbide ceramics

(HfMoTiWZr)C high entropy carbides (HEC) were prepared from the commercial carbide powders of IVB (Hf, Ti, Zr) and VIB (Mo, W) group metals of the periodic table via high energy ball milling (HEBM) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Metal carbide powders (HfC, TiC, ZrC, Mo2C and WC) were HEBM'd for 3 h in a vibratory ball mill, and then SPS'd at different temperatures (1800, 1900, 2000 and 2100 degrees C). The HEBM'd powders and SPS'd ceramics were characterized in composition, density and microstructure using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS), a particle size analyzer and a pycnometer. Also, microhardness and sliding wear tests were conducted on the SPS'd ceramics. Based on the performed characterization, a single-phase FCC structure was observed at all sintering temperatures indicating a high entropy carbide ceramic, and they all have high hardness and wear resistance values.

Automated summary

High entropy carbide ceramics were prepared through high energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering, and were characterized in terms of composition, density and microstructure. The ceramics exhibited a single-phase FCC structure at all sintering temperatures and showed high hardness and wear resistance values.