Multi‑Principal Element Alloy Coatings: A Review of Deposition Techniques, Applications, and Future Prospects

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) coatings, including medium entropy alloys (MEAs) and high entropy alloys (HEAs),have emerged as transformative materials with the potential to address critical challenges in industrial applications. Thesecoatings offer exceptional properties such as high-temperature oxidation resistance, wear resistance, corrosion protection,and thermal stability, making them ideal for demanding environments. This review primarily focuses on MEA coatings,providing a comprehensive analysis of their deposition techniques, applications, and future prospects. The review highlightsthe key advantages of MEA coatings over traditional single-element or binary alloy coatings, emphasizing their superiortoughness, strength, and deformability. Various deposition methods, including laser-based techniques, thermal spraying,physical and chemical vapor deposition, and electrodeposition, are discussed in detail, with an evaluation of their benefitsand limitations. Where specific studies on MEAs are unavailable, insights from HEA coatings are incorporated to providecomplementary perspectives, leveraging the shared characteristics of these multi-principal element systems. Applications ofMPEA coatings in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, energy, and oil and gas industries are explored, showcasing their abilityto enhance performance, durability, and efficiency. Future research directions are identified, including the development ofnovel compositions, advancements in deposition technologies, and a deeper understanding of structure–property relationships.
The review also emphasizes the need for scalable, cost-effective manufacturing processes to accelerate the adoption of MPEAcoatings in various sectors. By presenting a focused yet inclusive perspective on MPEA coatings, this review aims to serveas a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders working toward the advancement and widespreadutilization of these innovative materials.