Application of Nano High-Entropy Alloys to Reduce Energy Consumption and Wear of Copper Oxide and High-Grade Iron Ores in Heavy Mining Industries—A Case Study

Abstract

Problems relating to the abrasion of equipment is one of the most important issues in mining and associated industries. Hardening is a method of protecting metal equipment, metal tools, or important components against erosion, corrosion, and abrasion. This can be achieved by welding a thin layer of abrasion-resistant metal onto the surface of the work piece. The useful life of a piece of equipment or parts can be significantly increased by applying abrasion-resistant coatings, thereby reducing repair or replacement costs associated with damaged parts. This process is inexpensive in the production of parts and is often economically justifiable. This study focuses on measuring the abrasion resistance of a nano high-entropy alloy against copper oxide and high-grade iron ores. When a base alloy was coated with the nano high-entropy alloy, the abrasion indexes of iron and copper ores decreased from 0.0001647 kg to 0.0000908 kg and from 0.0001472 kg to 0.0000803 kg, respectively. The standard deviation, repeatability, and reproducibility were calculated for the alloy steel blade covered with nano high entropy alloy (N-HEA), producing values of 0.00016, 0.00047, and 0.00040, respectively, while a standard alloy steel blade exhibited values of 0.0003, 0.00047, and 0.00042, respectively. High-entropy alloys and high-entropy nano-alloys have not been used as practical coatings in the mineral industry in any form to date. Utilizing high-entropy nano-alloys in this industry would introduce innovative alternatives for customers, thereby increasing competitive advantages and providing international markets and customers = with the most efficient choices of operational materials.