Effect of HfC addition on mechanical properties of Nb-5Mo-2W-18Si in-situ composites

Nb base in-situ composites with the base composition of Nb-5Mo-2W-18Si were prepared by conventional arc-melting and induction heating floating zone melting followed by directional solidification. To investigate the effect of HfC addition, Nb was replaced with 0, 1 and 2 mol% HfC. The in-situ composites predominantly have an eutectic microstructure consisting of Nb solid solution (NbSS) and (Nb,Mo,W)5Si3 (5-3 silicide). The strength at 1470 K and 1670 K increases without fracture toughness decreasing, with increasing the HfC content. Directional solidification also improves the strength at the high temperature. The slip band under the shearing stress occurs in the NbSS during plastic deformation, which contributes to suppress microcrack propagation. It seems that HfC addition reinforces the bonding strength at grain boundary or NbSS/5-3 silicide interface. (orig.)