Tribological characteristics of CrTiZrNbHf and CuCrMnFeCoNi high-entropy coatings over a wide temperature range

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Abstract: Problem. Despite the potential of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) as protective coatings under extreme friction conditions, there is insufficient data on the comparative physical-mechanical and tribological properties of CrTiZrNbHf (cathodic arc evaporation) and CuCrMnFeCoNi (magnetron sputtering) coatings on steel substrates at temperatures of −60, 25, and 150 °C, which complicates the selection of the optimal deposition method and coating composition. Aim. To evaluate the tribological behavior (coefficient of friction, wear resistance) and physical-mechanical properties of coatings based on CrTiZrNbHf and CuCrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloys deposited by cathodic arc evaporation and magnetron sputtering at temperatures of −60, 25, and 150 °C, in order to identify the optimal method and composition with the highest wear resistance and minimal friction. Methods. Coatings were deposited onto a substrate made of 40KhN2MA structural low-alloy steel using a BRV600 vacuum unit by cathodic arc evaporation (CrTiZrNbHf) and magnetron sputtering (CuCrMnFeCoNi). For the CrTiZrNbHf coating, a number of variable parameters were used: reference voltage (US), pressure in the vacuum chamber, argon flow to the chamber, and deposition time. Coating thickness, structure, and composition were determined using a Zeiss EVA MA 18 electron microscope. Based on the determined chemical composition of coatings, the mixing entropy DSmix was calculated. Physical-mechanical properties were studied using a Nanotest 600 measuring platform. Tribological characteristics of specimens at −60, 25, and 150 °C were evaluated using the ball-on-disk test method on a specially developed tribometer. The wear crater profile was measured using a Zygo NewView 600 optical profilometer. Conclusions. The CuCrMnFeCoNi coating deposited by magnetron sputtering exhibits superior tribological characteristics compared to CrTiZrNbHf at temperatures of −60, 25, and 150 °C. In particular, the CuCrMnFeCoNi coating demonstrates enhanced stability of the coefficient of friction (μ) and reduced wear intensity (J). For CrTiZrNbHf, optimal mechanical properties are achieved at a substrate reference voltage of US = 105…115 V. Both materials are recommended for friction components, effectively overcoming the strength-ductility trade-off through optimized PVD process parameters.

About the authors

Kirill N. Polityko

Rostov State Transport University; Federal research center Southern scientific center of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Author for correspondence.
Email: politykokirill@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0008-4633-5013

postgraduate student, junior researcher of Chair of Theoretical mechanics and of laboratory of transport, composite materials and structures

Russian Federation, 344038, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Rostovskogo Strelkovogo Polka Narodnogo Opolcheniya Square, Bldg 2.;344006, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Chekhov Prospekt, 41.

Igor V. Kolesnikov

Rostov state transport university

Email: ivkolesnikov@bk.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3265-0871

Doctor of Sciences (Engineering),
Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
assistant professor of Chair of Theoretical mechanics

Russian Federation, Rostovskogo Strelkovogo Polka Narodnogo Opolcheniya Square, Bldg 2.

Olga A. Belyak

Rostov state transport university; Federal research center Southern scientific center of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: o_bels@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9487-0423

Doctor of Sciences (Physics and Mathematics), professor of Chair of Theoretical mechanics, leading researcher of Chair of Theoretical mechanics, chief researcher, Head of laboratory of transport, composite materials and structures. 

Russian Federation, 344038, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Rostovskogo Strelkovogo Polka Narodnogo Opolcheniya Square, Bldg 2.; 344006, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Chekhov Prospekt, 41.

Dmitry S. Manturov

Rostov state transport university

Email: manturovds@rgups.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9977-6997

PhD (Engineering),
Head of laboratory of Chair of Theoretical mechanics

Russian Federation, 344038, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Rostovskogo Strelkovogo Polka Narodnogo Opolcheniya Square, Bldg 2.

Anaid I. Azoyan

Rostov state transport university,

Email: azojan.anaid@mail.ru

PhD (Engineering), Associate Professor, researcher of Chair of Theoretical mechanics

Russian Federation, 344038, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Rostovskogo Strelkovogo Polka Narodnogo Opolcheniya Square, Bldg 2.

Elena D. Anikina

Rostov state transport university; Federal research center Southern Scientific center of the Russian Academy of Sciences,

Email: al.anikina2002@mail.ru

postgraduate student,
junior researcher of Chair of Theoretical mechanics
and of laboratory of transport, composite materials and structures

Russian Federation, 344038, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Rostovskogo Strelkovogo Polka Narodnogo Opolcheniya Square, Bldg 2.; 344006, Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Chekhov Prospekt, 41.

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Copyright (c) 2026 Polityko K.N., Kolesnikov I.V., Belyak O.A., Manturov D.S., Azoyan A.I., Anikina E.D.

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