Ultra-wear-resistant high-entropy nanocomposite through gradient nanograined glaze-layer at 1000 °C

The development of ultra-wear-resistant metallic materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures remains a critical challenge in advancing tribological systems for aerospace, energy, and manufacturing industries. Here, we introduce a Co₂₅Ni₂₃Cr₂₀Fe₂₀Ti₆Al₄B₂ crystal-glass high-entropy nanocomposite, engineered with a high density of hierarchical nanoprecipitates. At 1000 °C, this material demonstrates an unprecedented negative wear rate of −2.3 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm, surpassing state-of-the-art superalloys and intermetallic composites, while maintaining a low coefficient of friction of 0.26, comparable to advanced ceramic lubricants. This exceptional performance stems from a gradient nanograined glaze layer that dissipates frictional strain and suppresses brittle cracking and spalling of metallic oxides in the tribo-layer. Our findings expand the design space for high-entropy alloys and establish a scalable framework for developing next-generation ultra-durable materials for extreme environments. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.