This paper reviews the research progress of Cu-Ni-Si alloy as a lead frame material for ICs. Cu-Ni-Si alloy is considered a strong candidate for lead frame materials due to its excellent mechanical properties and adequate electrical conductivity. The types and properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys are then discussed in detail, emphasizing strength and conductivity as two key indicators for evaluating the properties of Cu-Ni-Si alloys, as well as the challenges posed by their inverse correlation. The preparation methods of Cu-Ni-Si alloy, including conventional melting, vacuum melting, and jet forming, are also discussed, and the effects of different casting techniques on the alloy’s properties are analyzed. Furthermore, the conductivity and strengthening mechanisms of Cu-Ni-Si alloy, including solid solution strengthening, second phase strengthening, and deformation strengthening, are discussed. The effects of the Ni-Si atomic ratio, trace elements, and rare earth elements on the alloy’s properties are also discussed. Finally, the current research status of Cu-Ni-Si alloy is summarized, and future research directions are identified, including the development of new preparation technologies, establishment of systematic databases, and promotion of green manufacturing and sustainable alloy development.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit superior properties for extreme environments, yet the effects of laser scanning speed on the microstructure and performance of laser-clad NiAlNbTiV HEA coatings remain unclear. This study systematically investigates NiAlNbTiV coatings on 316 stainless steel fabricated at scanning speeds of 800–1100 mm/min via laser cladding. Characterizations via XRD, SEM/EDS, microhardness testing, high-temperature wear testing, and electrochemical measurements reveal that increasing scanning speed enhances the cooling rate, promoting γ-(Ni, Fe) solid solution formation, intensifying TiV peaks, and reducing Fe-Nb intermetallics. Higher speeds refine grains and needle-like crystal distributions but introduce point defects and cracks at 1100 mm/min. Microhardness decreases from 606.2 HV (800 mm/min) to 522.4 HV (1100 mm/min). The 800 mm/min coating shows optimal wear resistance (wear volume: 0.0117 mm³) due to dense eutectic hard phases, while higher speeds degrade wear performance via increased defects. Corrosion resistance follows a non-linear trend, with the 900 mm/min coating achieving the lowest corrosion current density (1.656 μA·cm⁻²) due to fine grains and minimal defects. This work provides parametric optimization guidance for laser-clad HEA coatings in extreme-condition engineering applications.

IN625 offers high-temperature oxidation resistance, wear resistance, and stable chemical properties. To improve the corrosion and wear resistance of the Q345B steel surface, two types of metal matrix composites (IN625 + 1% Al₂O₃ and IN625 + 1% h-BN) were applied to the substrate surface using the laser cladding process. This study analyzed the hardness, electrochemical corrosion, friction, and wear properties of both the laser-clad specimens and the substrates. The results show that (1) the hardness and wear resistance of the fusion-coated coating were significantly improved compared with the base material. Notably, the hardness increased by 19%, and the coefficient of friction decreased by 41% compared with the IN625 + 1% h-BN coating. Furthermore, the hardness and wear resistance of the IN625 + 1% h-BN coating were superior to those of the IN625 + 1% Al₂O₃ coating, attributed to the formation of eutectic compounds such as NiB and Ni₂B in the dendritic region. (2) The corrosion resistance of the IN625 + 1% Al₂O₃ coating exceeds that of the IN625 + 1% h-BN coating and is also superior to that of the substrate. This improvement is primarily attributed to the addition of Al₂O₃, which enhances solid solution strengthening within the dendritic crystals of the fused-coating layer, reduces the percentage content of inclusions, and elevates the corrosion resistance of the coatings.

This study prepares Ni₅₀(AlNbTiV)₅₀-xY₂O₃ complex concentrated alloy composite coatings and analyzes their microstructure, phase composition, and high-temperature performance. The results indicate that each coating is composed of FCC phases, including γ-FeNi, Ni₃Al, and Ni₃(Al, Ti), as well as BCC phases such as Ni₃Nb and Ni₃Ti. With increasing Y₂O₃ content, the lamellar structure in the inter-dendritic regions of the coatings first decreases and then increases. The wear mechanism of the coating without Y₂O₃ addition under high-temperature conditions involves the combined effects of abrasive wear and adhesive wear. The coating with a 0.6 wt.% addition exhibits the smallest cracks and the lowest oxidation rate in high-temperature oxidation and thermal shock tests, with the oxidation weight gain reduced by 26.2% compared to the coating without Y₂O₃ addition. The abrasive and adhesive wear of this coating is mitigated, and the average friction coefficient and mass loss are decreased. When the mass fraction of Y₂O₃ is 0.4 wt.%, the coating structure shows a significant refinement effect and exhibits the best performance in tensile strength and high-temperature friction and wear tests.