Potentiostatic electrodeposition was used to obtain CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) thin films on copper substrate. An electrolyte based on a DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide)-CH3CN (acetonitrile) organic compound was used for the HEA deposition. The microstructure of the high-entropy deposits before and after corrosion in artificial seawater was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) investigation. SEM analysis revealed that compact and uniform film consists of compact and uniform 50 nm–5 μm particles that form the HEA films. The successful co-deposition of all five elements was highlighted by the energy dispersive spectrometry investigation (EDS). Electrochemical measurements carried out in an aerated artificial seawater solution under ambient conditions demonstrated the promising potential for application in the field of anti-corrosion protection, due to the protective behavior of the HEA thin films.
The intensive exploitation and usage of fossil fuels has led to serious environmental consequences, including soil, water, and air pollution and climate changes, and it has compromised the natural resources available for future generations. In this context, identifying new energy storage technologies can be considered a sustainable solution to these problems, with potential long-term effects. In this work, were analyzed different alternatives that can be suitable for replacing non-renewable sources, where hydrogen, wave, wind, or solar energies were considered. Although they have numerous advantages in terms of usage and substantially reducing the environmental impact, this paper is focused on lithium-ion batteries, whose high performance and safety during operation have made them attractive for a wide range of applications. The study of potential replacement technologies and the technical requirements for the main materials used is the starting point in reducing the environmental footprint, without affecting the technical capabilities, followed by the transition toward economic circularity and climate neutrality.
We investigate the corrosion behavior on the microstructure of CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy thin film potentiodynamic alloys electrodeposited on aluminum support. Using electrolytes based on dimethyformamide (DMF), (HCON(CH₃)₂), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, (CH3)2SO), an acetonitrile (AN, CH3CN) organic system (4:1 vol. ratio), LiClO4 in different concentrations and CoCl2, CrCl3 × 6H2O, FeCl2 × 4H2O, MnCl2 × 4H2O and NiCl2 × 6H2O in different conditions, the HEA components were co-deposited on an aluminum foil substrate. Using the CALPHAD method and the MatCalc PC software, the structure of the HEA system under study was investigated by calculating the characteristic kinetic and thermodynamic criteria. The influence of each metal from HEA inside the solid solution zone and over the formation of the solid solution phase were obtained from the ratio between the derived parameters. The electrochemical measurements, which demonstrate that on an aluminum support the HEA thin films have lower corrosion resistance, were performed at ambient temperature in an aerated artificial solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the microstructure of HEA thin films before and after corrosion in artificial seawater. This complex study demonstrates that the electrodeposition of HEA thin films on an aluminum support is more difficult and that the resistance to corrosion is much lower compared to that in the previous work on HEA deposits on a copper support.
Materials used in the marine industry are exposed to extreme conditions, so it is necessary to meet remarkable characteristics, such as mechanical resistance, low density, and good corrosion resistance. The challenging environment requires continuous performance improvements, so this work is focused on developing new materials with superior properties, using the electrochemical deposition technique, which are convenient for marine engineering. High-entropy alloys have been attracting tremendous interest in many applications, due to their simple crystal structures and advantageous physical-chemical properties, such as high strength, anti-corrosion, erosion, and electro-magnetic capabilities. To identify the most appropriate compositions, MatCalc software was used to predict the structure and characteristics of the required materials, and thermodynamic and kinetic criteria calculations were performed. The modelling processes generated a series of optimal compositions in the AlCrCuFeNi alloy system, that are suitable to be used in anticorrosive and tribological applications. The composition and morphology of the obtained high entropy alloy thin films revealed a uniform structure, with a small grain profile. The corrosion resistance was investigated in artificial seawater to observe the behavior of the newly developed materials in demanding conditions, and the results showed improved results compared to the copper foil substrate.
Complex concentrated alloys (CCAs) are a new family of materials with near equimolar compositions that fluctuate depending on the characteristics and destination of the material. CCAs expand the compositional limits of the traditional alloys, displaying new pathways in material design. A novel light density Al5Cu0.5Si0.2Zn1.5Mg0.2 alloy was studied to determine the structural particularities and related properties. The alloy was prepared in an induction furnace and then annealed under a protective atmosphere. The resulted specimens were analysed by chemical, structural, mechanical, and corrosion resistance. The structural analyses revealed a predominant FCC and BCC solid solution structure. The alloy produced a compression strength of 500–600 MPa, comparable with conventional aluminium alloys. The corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution was 0.3424 mm/year for as-cast and 0.1972 mm/year for heat-treated alloy, superior to steel, making the alloy a good candidate for marine applications.
The paper studies new materials for brake disks used in car manufacturing. The materials used in the manufacturing of the brake disc must adapt and correlate with the challenges of current society. There is a tremendous interest in the development of a material that has high strength, good heat transfer, corrosion resistance and low density, in order to withstand high-breaking forces, high heat and various adverse environment. Low-density materials improve fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Complex concentrated alloys (CCA) are metallic element mixtures with multi-principal elements, which can respond promisingly to this challenge with their variety of properties. Several compositions were studied through thermodynamic criteria calculations (entropy of mixing, enthalpy of mixing, lambda coefficient, etc.) and CALPHAD modeling, in order to determine appropriate structures. The selected compositions were obtained in an induction furnace with a protective atmosphere and then subjected to an annealing process. Alloy samples presented uniform phase distribution, a high-melting temperature (over 1000 °C), high hardness (1000–1400 HV), good corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution (under 0.2 mm/year) and a low density (under 6 g/cm3).