Effects of additives on the phase stability of Nb3Si intermetallic compound and mechanical properties of Nb-Si alloy

Abstract

ABSTRACTRecently, Nb-Si alloys have attracted attentions as substitutional materials of Ni-based superalloys because of its low density and high melting point. For attaining good room temperature toughness of Nb-Si alloys, proposed is a microstructure-control technique by combining eutectic reaction (L->Nb+Nb3Si) and eutectoid reaction (Nb3Si->Nb+ Nb5Si3) for spheroidizing Nb5Si3 strengthening phase embedded in Nb matrix [1]. For the solid solution strengthening of Nb matrix phase W and Mo are very effective, but Nb3Si phase disappears by adding these elements of as small as 3 at%. In contrast, Ti and Ta stabilize Nb3Si phase. For a further alloy development, establishment of an alloy design based on the control of phase stability of Nb3Si is needed. In the previous study [2], it was revealed that the phase stability of Nb3Si can be controlled by selecting appropriate Ta/Mo ratio. In the present study, this approach is expanded to other combinations of stabilizing and destabilizing elements of Nb3Si, such as Ti and W, Ta and W, and Ti and Mo. Vickers hardness tests were conducted on the heat-treated samples to reveal effects of additives on mechanical properties of Nb-Si alloy.