Mechanical and tribological performance of AlCr_(0.5)NbTa_(x)Ti_(4-x)(x=0,0.5,1)refractory high-entropy alloys

The tribological behavior of AlCr_(0.5)NbTa_(x)Ti_(4-x)(x=0,0.5,and 1)refractory high-entropy alloys was systematically investigated from room temperature to 800℃.The relationship between the alloy composition,microstructure,mechanical properties,and tribological performance was analyzed.The results show that all three alloys have a body-centered cubic(bcc)single-phase structure.The Ta addition enhances solid solution strengthening and increases the melting point that would resist high-temperature thermal softening.As a result,high-temperature strength is enhanced considerably,the coefficients of friction(COF)and wear rates of the alloys are reduced considerably at elevated temperatures,demonstrating excellent friction-reducing and anti-wear properties,e.g.,the COF and wear rate of AlCr_(0.5) NbTaTi_(3) alloy at 800℃ are 0.34 and 4.40×10^(-7) mm^(3) N^(-1) m^(-1),respectively.The excellent wear resistance at high temperatures can be attributed to the formation of an oxide-tribo layer(Ta_(2)O_(5) and TiO_(2))with ultrafine-grained layers and good high-temperature mechanical properties.