Influence of Si addition on the microstructure, mechanical and lead-bismuth eutectic corrosion properties of an amorphous AlCrFeMoTiSix high-entropy alloy coating

The effect of the Si addition content ranging from 3.3 to 9.1 at.% on the microstructure, mechanical properties and LBE corrosion behaviour of AlCrFeMoTiSi x HEA coatings was investigated. The coatings still maintained an amorphous structure, and their mechanical properties were improved. The Si addition greatly contributed to the enhancement of the LBE corrosion resistance of the coatings, which could be attributed to the formation of a more continuous and protective Cr 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 layer. However, the improved efficiency was related to the Si addition content, with an oxidation process model put forwards to well explain this phenomenon. • The amorphous AlCrFeMoTiSi x HEA (x = 0.03, 0.06 and 0.09) coatings were prepared successfully. • The Si addition improved mechanical properties of the AlCrFeMoTiSi x coatings. • The Si addition gave a great contribution to the enhancement of LBE corrosion resistance of the coatings. • The improved efficiency was related to the Si addition content.