Abstract:In this study, the CoFeNiCrNb0.5 high entropy alloy cladding layer was fabricated on the surface of
316L stainless steel by plasma cladding technology. The microstructure, phase composition, element distribution
and wear resistance of the cladding layer of CoFeNiCrNb0.5 high entropy alloy were studied. The results show
that the phase composition of the cladding layer of CoFeNiCrNb0.5 high entropy alloy is composed of FCC phase
and Laves phase with face-centered cubic structure. Among them, the FCC phase is the matrix phase, and the
Laves phase is formed at the interdendrite. The microhardness of the cladding layer of the CoFeNiCrNb0.5 high
entropy alloy is about(510.5±14.2)HV, which is about 2.1 times that of the 316L matrix. The higher hardness of
the cladding layer is mainly caused by the solid solution strengthening of Nb element and the diffusion strengthening
of Laves phase. In addition, the CoFeNiCrNb0.5 high entropy alloy cladding layer has excellent wear resistance,
and the specific wear rate is about 5.9×10-6 mm3/N·m, which is significantly better than the stainless steel
substrate. Abrasive wear is the main wear mechanism of CoFeNiCrNb0.5 high entropy alloy cladding layer.