Mechanical and high-temperature wear resistance properties of WC-reinforced AlCoCrFeNiTi0.5 high entropy alloy matrix composite

x wt.% WC/AlCoCrFeNiTi0.5 (x = 0, 5, 8, 10, 15) high entropy matrix composites (HEAC) with different mass fractions of WC particles were prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). Their microstructure, mechanical properties, room-temperature (RT) and high-temperature (HT) wear resistance properties were investigated. It shows the sintered HEACs are mainly composed of a face-centered cubic (FCC) solid solution matrix, (Fe, Co)6W6C, and other carbides. The increase of WC particles leads to the fracture strength and wear resistance of AlCoCrFeNiTi0.5 being increased first and then decreased. The 8 wt% WC/ AlCoCrFeNiTi0.5 HEAC shows higher strength and better wear resistance properties due to the formation of carbides and protection of the dense oxide film on the worn surface. The high-temperature wear mechanism is mainly adhesive wear, and oxidative wear in the case with lower WC content, but it becomes adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear in the case with higher WC content. This work provides light for investigating tribological properties of high-entropy matrix composites for surface engineering.