Nano-scratching behavior of AlCoCrFeNi_2.1 eutectic high entropy alloy

The AlCoCrFeNi_2.1 eutectic high entropy alloy has a wide field of application with its perfect combination of strength and ductility. This research investigates the nano-scratching behavior of AlCoCrFeNi_2.1. The molecular dynamics simulation of nano-scratching under various scratching pathways was performed. The friction force, micromorphology of scratched surface, subsurface microstructure and dislocation evolution were obtained, and the influence of two-phase structure and phase boundary on the nano-scratching process was analyzed. Furthermore, nano-scratching experiments under different normal loads were carried out. The nano-scratching surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The scratched cross-sectional microstructure was examined using transmission electron microscopy, with a particular focus on the subsurface damage. The findings are in alignment with the results of the molecular dynamics simulation.