This paper presents a review of a number of works devoted to the studies of high-entropy alloys (HEAs). As is known, HEAs represent a new class of materials that have attracted the attention of scientists due to their unique properties and prospects of application in hydrogen power engineering. The peculiarity of HEAs is their high entropy of mixing, which provides phase stability and flexibility in developing materials with given characteristics. The main focus of this paper is on the application of HEAs for solid-state hydrogen storage, their physicochemical and mechanical properties, and synthesis technologies. Recent advances in the hydrogen absorption properties of HEAs are analyzed, including their ability to efficiently absorb and desorb hydrogen at moderate temperatures and pressures. Prospects for their use in the development of environmentally safe and efficient hydrogen storage systems are considered. The work also includes a review of synthesis methods aimed at optimizing the properties of HEAs for hydrogen energy applications.
In this research, samples of an alloy with a bimodal structure were studied on the basis of a previously developed technology for obtaining hydrogen storage materials based on the Ti-Al-Nb system. The results of SPS of mechanically activated powder mixtures of the Ti-Al-Nb system at a temperature of 1300 °C make it possible to obtain an alloy with a predominantly bimodal structure. However, an insignificant presence of TiAl3, AlNb2 phases, and unreacted niobium is still observed in the structure. The mechanical properties of alloys of the Ti-Al-Nb system after sintering show abnormally low values of strength and ductility (less than 150 MPa). Two-stage heat treatment of alloys of the Ti-Al-Nb system leads to the decomposition of large precipitates of TiAl3 with the formation of O-phase nuclei, as well as to the complete dissolution of unreacted niobium and AlNb2 phases. Heat treatment of alloys of the Ti-Al-Nb system contributes to an increase in its strength by approximately 10 times (1310 MPa, MA-180), and ductility by 2 times (1322 MPa, MA-20). The surface fracture of samples obtained after testing is characterized by intergranular (intercrystalline) brittle fracture with “river” or “step” features.
UHMWPE is resistant to acids, alkalis and radiation. Its combination of unique properties makes this material attractive for obtaining multifunctional coatings. However, in practice, obtaining coatings based on UHMWPE is associated with difficulties associated with low thermal conductivity and high viscosity of the material. The possibility of overcoming the technological problems of obtaining gas-thermal coatings based on UHMWPE was studied in the present work. A physical model of a flame with UHMWPE particles moving along the central axis was developed by the finite element method. The temperature along the central axis of the plume was determined. The interaction between a gas-thermal torch and a UHMWPE particle was established. It was determined that the residence time of UHMWPE particles in a gas-thermal flame is not enough for its complete penetration, which is the reason for the appearance of various defects. The interrelation of the particle heating rate in the torch depending on its diameter was determined. A new variant of coating deposition with preliminary heating of the powder in a fluidized bed was proposed. The thermal characteristics of UHMWPE powder were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The allowable temperature interval for UHMWPE deposition was established. Coatings were obtained under various deposition modes. It was established using the methods of X-ray diffraction analysis and infrared spectroscopy that the structure of the crystal lattice of UHMWPE did not change after deposition. Significant oxidation processes do not occur during spraying. It was found using scanning electron microscopy that the coatings obtained with preliminary heating of the powder in a fluidized bed do not have air inclusions. The obtained results make it possible to obtain higher quality coatings.
This paper presents the results of experimental studies of the interaction of helium plasma with a near-surface tungsten carbide layer. The experiments were implemented at the plasma-beam installation. The helium plasma loading conditions were close to those expected in the ITER divertor. The technology of the plasma irradiation was applied in a stationary type linear accelerator. The impact of the helium plasma was realized in the course of the experiment with the temperatures of ~905 °C and ~1750 °C, which were calculated by simulating heat loading on a tungsten monoblock of the ITER divertor under the plasma irradiation at the load of 10 MW/m2 and 20 MW/m2, respectively. The structure was investigated with scanning microscopy, transmitting electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. The data were obtained showing that the surface morphology changed due to the erosion. It was found that the carbidization extremely impacted the plasma–tungsten interaction, as the plasma–tungsten interaction with the carbide layer led to the carbon sputtering and partial diffusion towards to the depth of the sample. According to these results, WC-based tungsten carbide is less protected against fracture by helium than W and W2C. An increase in temperature leads to much more extensive surface damage accompanied by the formation of molten and recrystallized flanges.
The blades of modern gas turbine engines are complex structures made of heat-resistant nickel alloys with a complex system of internal cavities. The article describes a method of strengthening samples of a heat-resistant Ni-Cr alloy by applying a composite coating (Cr-Al-Co + ZrO2-Y2O3). The alloy prototypes were fabricated by vacuum melting. An ion-plasma technology of a two-layer coating with an inner metal and an outer ceramic layer on the prepared surface of the heat-resistant alloy matrix was developed. The morphology and structure of the alloy prototypes and the investigated composite coating were studied by scanning electron spectroscopy. The total thickness of the two-layer wear-resistant coating was 17–18 μm. The thickness of the inner layer (Cr/Al/Co) is 10–11 μm and the thickness of the outer ceramic coating (ZrO2-Y2O3) is 6–7 μm. To improve the operational characteristics of the material, an electron-beam surface treatment was proposed. The research results showed a sevenfold increase in surface resistance compared with the initial state.
This paper reviews recent advances in the synthesis of cobalt-free high-strength tungsten carbide (WC) composites as sustainable alternatives to conventional WC-Co composites. Due to the high cost of cobalt, limited supply, and environmental concerns, researchers are exploring nickel, iron, ceramic binders, and nanocomposites to obtain similar or superior mechanical properties. Various synthesis methods such as powder metallurgy, encapsulation, 3D printing, and spark plasma sintering (SPS) are discussed, with SPS standing out for its effectiveness in densifying and preventing WC grain growth. The results show that cobalt-free composites exhibit high strength, wear and corrosion resistance, and harsh environment stability, making them viable competitors for WC-Co materials. The use of nickel and iron with SPS is shown to enable the development of environmentally friendly, cost-effective materials. It is emphasized that microstructural control and phase management during sintering are critical to improve a material’s properties. The application potential of these composites covers mechanical engineering, metallurgy, oil and gas, and aerospace, emphasizing their broad industrial relevance.