On the formation of silicide precipitates in niobium-silicide based composites

Composites based on Nb-Si are attractive candidates for use as structural materials at the very high temperatures required for future aircraft engines. The composites described were produced by directional solidification, which gives a microstructure consisting of Nb dendrites with an Nb3Si-Nb eutectic. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed characterization of precipitates observed in the Nb dendrites in both binary and higher-order alloys. The precipitates possess the Nb3Si stoichiometry, but not the stable Nb3Si structure. The precipitates form a metastable orthorhombic crystal structure which is related to the Nb matrix via a simple orientation relationship