Effect of Nb, Ti, and V on wear resistance and electrochemical corrosion resistance of AlCoCrNiM (M=Nb, Ti, V) high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys are popular materials of significant research interest in recent years. To meet the high demands for wear resistance and corrosion resistance in the aerospace and rail transit industries. This study is based on the AlCoCrNi alloy, which inherently possesses excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Additionally, by introducing Nb/Ti/V elements, the aim is to obtain an alloy with even better performance. The results show that the Vickers hardness of the alloy was improved by the Nb element. Although Ti and V also improve the hardness of the alloy, large additions rather reduce the hardness. AlCoCrNiNb0.7 has the largest hardness of 880.14 HV. The addition of Nb/Ti/V not only improves the wear resistance of the alloys at room temperature but also improves the corrosion resistance of the alloys in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. Among them, AlCoCrNiNb0.4 alloy and AlCoCrNiV0.7 alloy have the best wear resistance, which is about 68% less than that of AlCoCrNi. AlCoCrNiTi0.7 alloy shows the most excellent corrosion resistance. This study reveals the effect of Nb/Ti/V on the properties of high-entropy alloys, and also provides a reference for the design of high-entropy alloys with excellent wear and corrosion resistance.