1st Edition

High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Fundamentals and Applications

Edited By Viswanathan S. Saji, Jamieson M. Brechtl Copyright 2026
476 Pages 119 B/W Illustrations
by CRC Press

476 Pages 119 B/W Illustrations
by CRC Press

High-Entropy Alloy Coatings: Fundamentals and Applications is a comprehensive overview of the exciting potential of HEA coatings. This book will cover the fundamentals, fabrication methods, applications, and recent advancements in this field, with concise chapters on each topic written by a team of experts. Part I concentrates on the fundamental principles, while Parts II, III, and IV are... Read more

PART I: Fundamentals

1. High-Entropy Alloys: Fundamental and Frontiers     

Muhammad Abubaker Khan, Mohamed A. Afifi, Jamieson Brechtl

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Thermodynamic and Composition design of HEAs

1.2.1.   The concept behind HEAs: Four Core Effects

1.3. Microstructure evaluation

1.4. Mechanical Properties

1.5. Corrosion Resistance

1.6. High entropy alloy coatings

1.7. Applications of HEAs

1.7.1.   High temperature applications

1.7.2.   Aerospace and Automotive Industries

1.7.3.   Nuclear Energy

1.7.4.   Energy Storage and Renewable Energy

1.7.5.   Coatings and Surface Engineering

1.7.6.   Other Emerging Applications

1.8. Challenges

1.9. Conclusions and outlook

References

 

2.   Mechanistic aspects of High-Entropy Alloys

Yuan Yu, Yiming Luo, Zhuhui Qiao

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Structural Defects

                2.2.1 Vacancies         

                2.2.2 Dislocations      

                2.2.3 Stacking Faults

                2.2.4 Interfaces

2.3. Diffusion Mechanisms       

2.4. Plastic Deformation Mechanisms   

                2.4.1. Slip

                2.4.2 Twinning-induced Plasticity    

                2.4.3 Transformation-Induced Plasticity      

2.5. Strengthening Mechanisms

                2.5.1 Solid-solution Strengthening

                2.5.2 Grain Boundary Strengthening

                2.5.3 Dislocation strengthening

                2.5.4 Precipitation Strengthening

2.6. Heterogeneous Structure

2.7. Conclusions and outlook    

Acknowledgment

References         

 

PART II: HEA coatings

3.   Types and fabrication approaches of high-entropy alloy coatings – An overview

Himanshu Kumar, Mohd Rafiq Parray, Amritbir Singh, S. Shiva

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Types of HEA coatings

                3.2.1.   HEA-based ceramic coatings

                3.2.2.   HEA-based composite coatings

                3.2.3.   Metal-based HEA coatings

3.3. Fabrication methods of HEA coatings

                3.3.1.   Chemical and electrochemical methods

                3.3.2.   Laser-based approaches

                3.3.3.   Powder Metallurgy

                3.3.4    Vapour based HEA coatings

3.4. Applications of HEA coatings       

                3.4.1    Aerospace

                3.4.2    Electronic devices

                3.4.3    Hydrogen storage

                3.4.4    Biomedical

                3.4.5    Nuclear

3.5. Conclusions and outlook

References

 

4.   Microstructures and mechanical properties of High-Entropy Alloy coatings – Role of   constituent elements and fabrication approaches

Ameey Anupam, Pawan Kumar, Harpreet Singh

4.1. Introduction

4.2 Role of Constituent Elements

                4.2.1. How to choose elements

                4.2.2. Parameters for solid solution formation

                4.2.3 Predictive tools

                4.2.4 Case Study: AlCoCrFeNi family of HEAs

4.3 Fabrication Approaches

                4.3.1 Thermal spray

                4.3.2.   Melt pool-based methods

                4.3.3.   Vapor based methods (thin films)

4.4 Effect of coating microstructure and fabrication technique on HEA coating properties: Thermal Spray vs. Melt Pool based methods    

                4.4.1 As coated microstructure

                4.4.2 Major strengthening mechanisms utilized in HEA coatings

                4.4.3 Post processing

4.5. Mechanical Property Testing          

                4.5.1 Microhardness

                4.5.2 Nanoindentation

                4.5.3 Adhesion/cohesion testing

                4.5.4 Other methods – in-situ micropillar compression testing

                4.5.5 Importance of statistics in analysis of mechanical property

4.6. Conclusions and Outlook    

References

 

5.   Theoretical and computer modelling studies on high-entropy alloy coatings

Harsh Jain, Tejasva Vashistha, Prasad Baddi, Raghavan Ranganathan

5.1. Introduction

                5.1.1 High-Entropy Alloys

                5.1.2 High-Entropy Alloy Coatings

5.2 Molecular Dynamics simulations of HEA coatings

                5.2.1 Modeling the Deposition Process using Molecular Dynamics

                5.2.2 Mechanical Properties of HEA Coatings Using MD Simulations

5.3 Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations of HEA coatings

                5.3.1 DFT Modelling Parameters

                5.3.2 Basic Terminologies and Concepts

                5.3.3 Applications of DFT simulations in HEA coatings

5.4. Conclusions and outlook

References

 

6.   Design of wear- and corrosion-resistant multi-principal element alloy coatings: Framework and Perspectives on Cr-Co-Ni based alloys

Guilherme Yuuki Koga, Luana Cristina Miguel Rodrigues, Claudemiro Bolfarini, Walter José Botta, Francisco Gil Coury

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Cr-Co-Ni alloys

6.3. Cr-Co-Ni coatings

                  6.3.1. Thin Cr-Co-Ni coatings

                  6.3.2. Thermally sprayed Cr-Co-Ni coatings

                  6.3.3. Thick Cr-Co-Ni coatings

6.5.  Conclusions and outlook

References

 

7.    Machine learning applied to high-entropy alloy coatings process parameters and composition optimization – A case study

Raffaella Sesana, Mohsen Dehghanpour Abyaneh, Marzieh Golabchi, Luca Corsaro, Nazanin Sheibanian, Sedat Ozbilen

7.1 Introduction   

7.2.  Experimental characterization and data preprocessing

7.2.1 Data Preprocesssing     

7.2.2 Statistical analysis        

7.2.3 Machine Learning Implementation                  

7.2.4. Surface roughness

7.2.5. Volume variation

7.2.6.   Sensitivity Analysis

7.2.7.   Taylor Evaluation

7.3 Conclusions and outlook       

Acknowledgment

References

 

 

PART III: Coating type

 

8.   Metallic high-entropy alloy coatings

Avinash V. Ingle

8.1 Introduction 

                8.1.1 Definition and concept of HEAs          

                8.1.2 Importance and relevance of HEAs in modern materials science              

                8.1.3 Overview of metallic coatings 

8.2 Synthesis and fabrication techniques of HEA coatings       

                8.2.1 PVD techniques

                8.2.2 CVD techniques

                8.2.3 Electrochemical deposition      

                8.2.4 Thermal spray techniques        

                8.2.5 Other emerging techniques      

8.3 Microstructure and phase evolution in HEA coatings         

                8.3.1 Phase formation in HEAs         

                8.3.2 Solid solution strengthening mechanisms        

                8.3.3 Microstructural features

8.4 Mechanical properties of HEA coatings      

                8.4.1 Hardness

                8.4.2 Strength

                8.4.3 Wear resistance

                8.4.4 Fracture toughness and ductility          

8.5 Corrosion resistance of HEA coatings        

                8.5.1 Electrochemical behavior and corrosion mechanisms in HEA coatings

                8.5.2 Comparative analysis with conventional alloys

8.6 Oxidation resistance

                8.6.1 High-temperature oxidation behavior  

8.7 Applications of HEA coatings         

                8.7.1 High-temperature oxidation-resistant coatings for supercritical boilers   

                8.7.2 Wear-resistant coatings

                8.7.3 Energy sector: nuclear reactors

                8.7.4 Biomedical applications

                8.7.5 Electronics and optics  

8.8 Challenges and future directions     

                8.8.1 Current challenges in HEA coating development        

8.9 Potential for industrial adoption      

8.10 Conclusions and outlook   

References         

 

9.   High-entropy ceramic coatings

Jingchuan Li, Liangge Xu, Jiaqi Zhu, Sam Zhang

9.1 Introduction 

9.2 Fundamentals and classification of High-entropy ceramic coatings

9.3 Production methods 

                9.3.1 Magnetron sputtering   

                9.3.2 Vacuum cathodic arc deposition          

                9.3.3 Pulsed laser deposition 

                9.3.4 Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

                9.3.5 Atmospheric plasma spraying

                9.3.6 Ion implantation

9.4 Types and crystal structures

                9.4.1 High-entropy oxide ceramic coatings

                9.4.2 High-entropy nitride ceramic coatings

                9.4.3 High-entropy carbide ceramic coatings

                9.4.4 High-entropy boride ceramic coatings

9.5 Properties and applications  

                9.5.1    Mechanical properties

                9.5.2    Oxidation resistance

                9.5.3    Corrosion resistance

                9.5.4    Thermal properties

                9.5.5    Diffusion resistance for barriers

                9.5.6    Electrical properties

                9.5.7    Magnetic properties

                9.5.8    Optical properties

9.6 Conclusions and outlook     

References

 

10. Composite high-entropy alloy coatings 

Chika Oliver Ujah, Sandip Kunar

10.1 Introduction

10.2. Fundamental of High Entropy Alloys      

                10.2.1. Characteristics of High Entropy Alloys

10.3. Composite High Entropy Alloys (CHEAs)          

                10.3.1. Characteristics of Composite High Entropy Alloys  

10.4. Composite High Entropy Alloy Coatings 

                10.4.1. Coating Techniques

                10.4.2. Applications

10.5. Challenges and Limitations          

10.6. Future Directions and Opportunities

                10.6.1. Optimizing Composition and Microstructure

                10.6.2. Modeling and Simulation

                10.6.3. Advancing Fabrication Processes

                10.6.4. Enhancing Properties

10.7 Conclusions and outlook   

References

 

Part IV: Fabrication methods

 

11.   Laser-based Methods of High Entropy Alloy Coating Fabrication

JiaSheng Wang, Yong Zhang

11.1. Introduction

11.2 Preparation Processes

11.3 Types of HEA Coatings

11.4 Influence of Preparation Process Parameters

11.5 Microstructural Characteristics

11.6 Performance Advantages

               11.6.1 Mechanical Properties

               11.6.2 Friction Properties

               11.6.3 Corrosion Resistance

               11.6.4 Magnetic properties

11.7 Applications

11.8. Conclusions and outlook

References

 

12.    Thermal and Cold Spray High-Entropy Alloy Coatings

   Mohamed Abdrabou Hussein

12.1.  Introduction

12.2.  Thermal Spray HEA Coatings

12.2.1. Plasma Spraying

12.2.2. High-Velocity Oxygen-Fuel Spraying

12.3. Cold spray HEA coatings

12.4.  Conclusions and outlook

Acknowledgment

References

 

13. Electrochemical Methods of High-Entropy Alloy Coating Fabrication

A. Madhan Kumar

13.1.  Introduction

13.2.  Electrochemical Methods for HEA Coating Fabrication

                  13.2.1 HEA coatings processed by Electrochemical routes

13.3. Challenges

         13.3.1 Improving Coating Quality and Uniformity

         13.3.2 Developing Sustainable Fabrication Techniques

13.4.  Conclusions and outlook

References

 

14. Post-processing approaches for high-entropy alloy-based coatings

Pankaj Rawat, Vivek K Singh, Sanjeev Kumar, Sunil K Pathak, and Shailesh Kumar Singh

14.1.  Introduction

14.2.  Heat treatment of HEA coatings

14.3.  Laser remelting of the HEA coatings

14.4.  Friction stir processing (FSP) of the HEA coatings

14.5.  Others post-processing techniques

16.6.  Conclusions and outlook

References

 

PART V: Applications

 

15. Anti-wear and anti-friction high entropy alloy coatings

   Nasirudeen O. Ogunlakin, Ankah Nesto, Viswanathan S. Saji

15.1 Introduction 

15.2 Fundamentals of Tribological Behavior      

15.2.1 Wear Mechanisms      

15.2.2 Friction Mechanisms  

15.2.3 Role of Surface Oxide Films and Third-Body Particles        

15.3 Synthesis and Deposition Techniques for Tribological HEA Coatings      

15.3.1 Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Methods  

15.3.2 Thermal Spray Methods         

15.3.3 Laser Cladding Method          

15.3.4 Electrochemical and Emerging Methods of Depositing HEA Coatings      

15.4 Microstructure–Tribology Relationships in HEA Coatings

15.4.1 Elemental Composition and Phase Stability  

15.4.2 Grain Size, Lattice Distortion, and Strengthening Mechanisms        

15.4.3 Oxide Scale Formation and Self-Lubrication

15.5 Tribological Performance under Various Operating Conditions    

15.5.1 Room-Temperature Applications       

15.5.2 Elevated-Temperature Environments

15.5.3 Abrasive and Erosive Environments  

15.5.4 Corrosive or Humid Environments    

15.6 Challenges and Future Directions 

15.6.1 Compositional Complexity and Design Strategies    

15.6.2 Large-Scale Manufacturing and Cost 

15.6.3 Coating Integrity and Residual Stresses         

15.6.4 Sustainability and Life-Cycle Analysis          

15.7.  Conclusions and outlook

References

 

16.   Anti-corrosion high-entropy alloy coatings

Vinay B. U, Shashi Bhushan Arya   

16.1.       Introduction

16.2.       Limitations of Conventional Corrosion-Resistant Coatings and advantages of HEA coatings.

16.3.       Fabrication Techniques for HEA Coatings

16.4.       Corrosion types in HEA coatings

16.5.       Corrosion Mechanisms in HEA Coatings

               16.5.1 Electrochemical Corrosion and Passive Film Formation

               16.5.2 Microstructural Stability and Corrosion Performance

               16.5.3 Sluggish Diffusion and Delayed Corrosion Kinetics

               16.5.4 Lattice Distortion and Its Impact on Corrosive Ion Diffusion

               16.5.5 Synergistic Multi-Element Effects Enhancing Corrosion Resistance

16.6.       Role of Alloying Elements in HEA Coatings for Anti-Corrosion

16.7.       Conclusions and outlook

References

 

17.   High-entropy alloy coatings for tribocorrosion applications

Vinay. B. U, Shashi Bhushan Arya   

17.1.  Introduction        

17.2. Advantages of HEA Coatings in Tribo-corrosion Protection

17.3. Tribo-corrosion Mechanisms of HEA Coatings

17.4. Fabrication Techniques for HEA Tribo-corrosion-Resistant Coatings

               17.4.1 Thermal Spray Deposition

               17.4.2 Physical and Chemical Vapor Deposition

               17.4.3 Electrochemical and electroless deposition techniques

               17.4.4 Additive Manufacturing and Laser-Based Coating Techniques

17.5. Experimental Procedure for Evaluating Tribo-Corrosion Performance of HEA Coatings

               17.5.1 Wear and Corrosion Tests in Simulated Marine Environments

               17.5.2 Factors Affecting Tribo-Corrosion Performance of HEA Coatings

17.6 Challenges and Future Directions in HEA Tribo-Corrosion Coatings

               17.6.1 Challenges

               17.6.2 Strategies for enhancing tribo-corrosion performance

               17.6.3 Emerging Trends and Future Research Directions

17.7. Conclusions and Outlook

References

 

18. Thermal Barrier High Entropy Alloy coatings

Ankah Nestor, Nasirudeen Ogunlakin, Viswanathan S. Saji

18.1 Introduction 

18.2 Fundamentals of HEAs        

18.2.1 Types of HEAs

18.2.2 Properties of HEAs Relevant to TBC Applications   

18.2.3 Benefits of HEAs over Traditional Bond Coat Materials      

18.3 Design Considerations for HEA-Based TBCs        

18.3.1 Element Selection      

18.3.2 Compatibility with Substrates and Topcoats  

18.3.3 Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance  

18.3.4 Microstructural Considerations         

18.3.5 Synthesis and Processing Techniques

18.4 Experimental Studies on HEA Coatings in TBCs   

18.4.1 Comparative Analysis to traditional TBCs    

18.4.2 Challenges and Solutions       

18.5 Computational Modeling and Predictive Tools for HEA TBCs     

18.5.1 Computational Thermodynamics and Phase Stability

18.5.2 Modeling Thermal and Mechanical Properties          

18.5.3 Machine Learning and Data-Driven Design  

18.5.4 Development of Predictive Models    

18.6 Potential Applications and Industrial Relevance of HEA-Based TBCs      

18.6.1 Aerospace and Space Exploration      

18.6.2 Power Generation and Gas Turbines  

18.6.3 Automotive Applications       

18.6.4 High-Temperature Industrial Applications    

18.7 Challenges and Future Research Directions

18.7.1 Challenges in Developing and Implementing HEA-Based TBCs        

18.7.2 Future Research Directions    

18.8 Conclusions and Outlook    

References

 

19.    High-entropy alloy coatings in energy storage and conversion

Karthika Pichaimuthu 

19.1 Introduction

19.2. Theoretical studies on HEMs

19.3. High-entropy Materials for Rechargeable Batteries

19.4. High-entropy Materials for Supercapacitors

19.5. High-entropy Materials for Hydrogen Energy Conversion and Storage

                            19.5.1. Fuel cells

                            19.5.2. Hydrogen Storage

                            19.5.3. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

19.6. High-entropy Materials for Oxygen Reaction

                            19.6.1. Oxygen Evolution Reaction

                            19.6.2. Oxygen Reduction Reaction

19.7. High-entropy Materials for Carbon-dioxide Reduction Reaction

19.8. Other applications

19.9. HEMs Computational Techniques

19.10 Conclusions and outlook 

References         

 

20.       High–Entropy Ferroelectric Ceramics/Thin Films for Capacitor Energy Storage Applications 

 

Shubham kumar, Kuldeep Singh, Moolchand Sharma, Jagmohan Datt Sharma, Rahul Vaish, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Gurpreet Singh

20.1.  Introduction         

20.2.  Ferroelectric ceramics

20.3.  High–entropy ferroelectric ceramics/thin films

20.4.  Synthesis of High–entropy ferroelectric ceramics/thin films

20.5.  HEFC for capacitor energy storage applications

20.6.  HEFC thin films for capacitor energy storage application

20.7.  Conclusions and outlook 

References         

 

21.       HEA coatings in electrocatalytic applications

Yifan Zhou, Changrui Feng, Ziyuan Yang, Juan Zhang, Xiumin Li, Abuliti Abudula, Guoqing Guan 

21.1. Introduction

21.2 Classification of HEA coatings

21.2.1 Metallic Type

                21.2.2 Ceramic Type

                21.2.3 Composite Type

21.3 Synthesis and post-processing of HEA coatings

                21.3.1 Synthesis methods

                              21.3.2 Post-processing approaches

21.4 HEA coatings for electrochemical water/seawater splitting

                21.4.1 Foundation of electrochemical water/seawater splitting

                              21.4.2 HEA coatings for water splitting

                              21.4.3 HEA coatings for seawater splitting

21.5 HEA coatings for other electrocatalysis

                              21.5.1 HEA coatings for glycerol oxidation reaction

21.5.2 HEA coatings for methanol oxidation reaction

21.6 Conclusions and outlook   

         Acknowledgement

References

Biography

Viswanathan S. Saji is a Research Scientist-II at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Advanced Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia (2022 – present). Jamieson Brechtl is currently an Associate R&D staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2023 – present).