Microstructure mechanical properties and tribological properties of high entropy M2AlC-MC (M = Ti, V, Zr, Hf, Ta) composites prepared via spark plasma sintering

M2AlC-MC (M = Ti, V, Zr, Hf, Ta) HECs were successfully synthesized via SPS. The microstructure were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and Maud software was used for Rietveld refinement analysis of phase composition content. The results showed that Ti, V, Zr, Hf, and Ta elements were successfully dissolved in both M2AlC and MC. On this basis, the density, hardness and mechanical properties were tested. The results showed that hardness and mechanical properties of M2AlC-MC HECs were better than those of traditional M2AlC and their composites except for a slight decrease in fracture toughness. For the first time, the tribological properties of M2AlC-MC HECs were studied, and the measured friction coefficient was less than 0.66, and the wear rate was 1.76 × 10−4 mm3 N−1m−1. This work can provide important reference for the subsequent preparation of M2AlC-MC HECs and further expand the development field of friction resistant materials.