Effect of Graphene on Protective Properties of High-Entropy Alloy Coatings for 17-4PH Stainless Steel Industrial Robotic End-Effector Grippers
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Graphene-reinforced CrCoNiFeMo high-entropy alloy composite coatings were fabricated on 17-4PH stainless steel by laser cladding for the surface protection of industrial robotic end-effector grippers. The effects of graphene content on microstructure, hardness, wear behavior and corrosion resistance were investigated. Graphene-derived carbon suppressed Laves and σ phases and promoted the in situ formation of M23C6, M7C3 and Co2C carbides, transforming the coating into a carbide-reinforced FCC/BCC composite structure. The average hardness increased from 462 HV0.2 to 676 HV0.2 with increasing graphene content. The 0.4 wt.% graphene coating showed the best wear resistance, with the lowest friction coefficient of 0.42 and minimum wear scar width and depth of 546 μm and 5.72 μm, which was attributed to carbide strengthening and the possible formation of a carbonaceous lubricating tribo-layer. The 0.2 wt.% graphene coating exhibited the best corrosion resistance, with the lowest corrosion current density of 5.81 μA/cm2 and the highest impedance response. Excessive graphene caused carbon-rich agglomeration, excessive carbide precipitation and weakened passivation. This work provides a feasible surface strengthening strategy for 17-4PH stainless steel robotic gripper components.
Source: Crystals
Authors: Keqing Wang, Kaiming Xu, Hao Tian
Language: English
Topic: High Entropy Alloys Studies
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W7166520202
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: