2026 Nowakowska TiCrFeCoNi HEA Coatings

This study investigates the structural and mechanical properties of TiCrFeCoNi high-entropy alloy coatings synthesized using pulsed magnetron sputtering (PMS) and cathodic arc plasma deposition (Arc-PVD) on various substrates. The PMS coatings exhibited uniform amorphous structures with thicknesses of 580–610 nm and demonstrated hardness up to 9.39 GPa. Conversely, the Arc-PVD coatings, varying in thickness from ~600 nm to over 4 µm depending on current and time, transitioned from amorphous to polycrystalline structures, with cyclic deposition promoting crystallization and the formation of FCC, B2, and Laves phases. The maximum hardness achieved by the Arc-PVD coatings was 10.40 GPa, accompanied by a reduced Young’s modulus of 203.96 GPa. The PMS coatings showcased superior wear resistance at low modulation frequencies, evidenced by specific ratio metrics. The correlation between wear resistance and the H/Er and H3/Er2 ratios underscored the significant impact of deposition parameters and substrate types on the structural features and performance of the coatings. These findings elucidate the interconnectedness of processing conditions and resultant coating properties, facilitating the development of tailored high-entropy alloy coatings for advanced industrial applications.