This work’s purpose is to propose viable substitutes to the cobalt-based Stellite alloys, commonly used as wear-resistant coatings. Investigations revolve around Complex Concentrated Alloys (CCAs) from the CrFeNiMoTi system, for the coating of stainless steel pieces that require lasting protection from dry-sliding contact sollicitations. Previous work evidenced the (CrFeNi)90Mo5Ti5 alloy as a promising base, which mostly relies on the formation of a sigma phase within an FCC matrix for an increased hardness and improved tribological behaviour. In this particular framework, the in situ alloying capabilities of the DED process (Direct Energy Deposition) were used for further explorations around this composition. This additive manufacturing technique was conveniently chosen to help tackling the two main challenges: making directly functioning coatings and implementing rapid-screening strategies to broadly explore multi-principal elements systems. Coupled with a high-throughput use of the CALPHAD method, this combinatorial strategy speeds up material development compared to the more conventional ways. 

This work is part of the CladHEA+ project, a M-ERA.NET European collaborative project involving Fraunhofer IWS (Germany, project leader), along with CEA and CNRS (France).