Structure, corrosion resistance and nanomechanical properties of CoCrFeNiX (X=Nb,Mo,B,Si) high entropy alloys

Abstract: In this work, the four high entropy CoCrFeNiX alloys (X=Mo,Nb,B,Si) were prepared by induction melting to comparatively analyse their structure, nanomechanical properties, and corrosion resistance in the chloride ion environment. The CoCrFeNiNb and CoCrFeNiMo alloys are composed of FCC solid solution and intermetallic phases (TM)2Nb and Cr-Mo-TM. In the case of the CoCrFeNiB alloy, a complex phase structure was revealed, consisting of FCC solid solution and three types of borides. In turn, the addition of Si substantially altered the phase composition of the CoCrFeNi alloy, resulting in the formation of two intermetallic phases. The corrosion behaviour of the alloys was studied in 3.5 and 5% NaCl solutions. The highest corrosion resistance in both solutions used characterize the CoCrFeNiSi alloy, showing the lowest corrosion current density and the most positive corrosion potential values. For measurements in 5% NaCl solution, icorr and Ecorr were equal to 0.24 microA/cm2 and -0.136 V. Currently, the least favourable corrosion parameters were recorded for the CoCrFeNiMo alloy. The results of EIS measurements confirmed the high protective abilities of passive film formed on the CoCrFeNiSi alloy surface. The highest strength properties were shown by the alloys with the addition of metalloids. For the CoCrFeNiSi alloy, the highest nanohardness value was obtained (above 15 GPa), while the CoCrFeNiB showed the highest Young modulus (above 275 GPa).