Interfacial structures and mechanical properties of a high entropy alloy-diamond composite

Abstract A FeCoCrNiMo high-entropy alloy (HEA)/diamond composite prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) was investigated. Sintering the HEA/diamond composites at different temperatures leads to different interfacial structures, which have an impact on the mechanical properties. The multiple microstructures at HEA/diamond interface have different effects on the retention of the HEA matrix on diamond particles. It was found that the interstitial strengthening effect, amorphous carbon and nano-scale ordered carbon complex were beneficial to the mechanical properties. Due to the good interfacial bonding strength between the HEA matrix and un-failed diamond particles, the composite sintered at 950 °C exhibited an optimized combination of mechanical properties, with a hardness of 630 HV, transverse rupture strength of 1310 MPa, and optimal wear resistance. The failure of the diamond particles and the formation of brittle chromium carbides at sintering temperature at 1000 °C can deteriorate the properties of HEA/diamond composites.