The effect of Hf and Ti additions on microstructure and properties of Cr2Nb–Nb in situ composites

Abstract

The present paper describes the effect of Hf and Ti additions on the microstructures and mechanical properties of two-phase composites based on the Cr2Nb–Nb eutectic. The microstructures of directionally solidified in situ composites containing 50–70% by volume of the Laves phase Cr2Nb which was modified with Hf (7.5–9.2%) and Ti (16.5–26%) are described. Partitioning of Hf and Ti between the two phases is discussed using microprobe and EDS results. The tensile properties at 1100 and 1200 °C are described and compared with those of an analogous niobium silicide-based composite. The Cr2(Nb)–(Nb) composite tensile yield strengths at 1200 °C were increased over that of monolithic Cr2Nb to ∼130 MPa. However, at 1200 °C the yield strengths of the silicide-based composites were approximately twice those of the Cr2(Nb)–(Nb) composites.