Novel aluminium matrix composites have been fabricated using a powder metallurgy route with reinforcement phase particles of high entropy alloy (HEA) consisting of third transition metals. These new composites are studied as far as their microstructure (SEM, XRD), basic mechanical properties (hardness, elastic modulus) and creep response using nanoindentation techniques are concerned. Wear (sliding wear tests) and corrosion behaviour (in 3.5 wt.% NaCl environment) were also assessed. It was observed that, microstructurally, no secondary intermetallic phases were formed. Hardness and wear resistance seemed to increase with the increase in HEA particles, and in terms of corrosion, the composites exhibited susceptibility to localised forms. Nanoindentation techniques and creep response showed findings that are connected with the deformation nature of both the Al matrix and the HEA reinforcing phase.

New particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites with the addition of refractory High Entropy Alloy, MoTaNbVW, fabricated via powder metallurgy process were assessed for their properties. Basic mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, hardness) for the aluminum matrix, the pure aluminum and the reinforcement phase were assessed by means of dynamic nano-indentation technique. Nano-indentation based creep response was also evaluated in these three areas of interest. Hardness shows an increase with the addition of the particulates and so does the elastic moduli and the ratio of the energy absorbed in the elastic region. The creep response was approached in terms of dislocation mobility and critical volume for their nucleation. The produced Al–HEA composites were also studied for their sliding wear behavior and showed that with the increase in percentage of RHEA particulates the wear resistance increases. Microstructural considerations, wear track morphologies, and debris characteristics were used for the assessment of the involved wear mechanisms.

The increasing reliance on conventional coatings such as WC-Co raises serious environmental and health concerns due to the toxicity of cobalt and the ecological footprint of these materials. To address this challenge, the present study explores the development of eco-friendly multifunctional coatings via the Plasma Spray (PS) process, using titanium (Ti), silicon carbide (SiC), and tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) mixtures as alternative feedstocks. Steel substrates were coated under different deposition strategies (powder mixing, layer-by-layer) and current settings (800-900 A). The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), 3D profilometry, sliding wear testing, and potentiodynamic corrosion measurements. Results showed that Ti-WC (mix, 900 A) and Ti-SiC (layer, 900 A) coatings achieved the most favorable performance, combining excellent adhesion, uniform coverage, reduced porosity, and improved resistance to wear and corrosion compared to conventional Cr₂O₃ coatings. Notably, Ti-WC coatings provided surface roughness values comparable to Cr₂O₃, while significantly lowering the environmental impact. These findings demonstrate that PS-based Ti-WC and Ti-SiC systems can serve as sustainable and high-performance alternatives for protective applications in harsh environments, particularly in marine industries, supporting the transition toward coatings with reduced ecological footprint.