Effect of transition layer of (AlCoCrFeNi_2.1)p/6061Al matrix composites on the mechanical properties and corrosion performance

Abstract

(AlCoCrFeNi_2.1)p/6061Al matrix composites were prepared by vacuum hot pressing sintering, and the mechanical properties and corrosion performance were investigated. Microstructural characterization reveals that a ring-like transition layer formed between the high-entropy alloy particle (HEAp) and the 6061Al matrix, there were some monoclinic structural phases distributed along the outside of the transition layer, and these are presumed to be Al₉ (CoCrFeNi)₂. With increasing sintering temperature, the hardness, densification and yield strength of composites improved. Compression morphology indicates that the existence of the transition layer is necessary to effectively prevent the expansion of crack in the 6061Al, resulting in composites that exhibit good plasticity. Galvanic coupling corrosion formed when the composites were tested in simulated seawater, the boundary between the transition layer and the 6061Al matrix was preferentially corroded to form a ring-shaped corrosion pit, and the thickness of the transition layer would affect the ring-shaped corrosion pit. It could be controlled within a certain thickness by adjusting the sintering temperature of the composites to improve the corrosion resistance. These findings demonstrate the critical role of the transition layer in balancing mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of HEAp-reinforced aluminum composites.

Keywords

high-entropy alloy particles / aluminum matrix composites / compression properties / corrosion resistance

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