Niobium alloys with intermetallide strengthening

Properties of new niobium alloys with intermetallic strengthening were studied. Niobium and vanadium of electron beam melting, tungsten, molybdenum and iodine zirconium were used as initial materials for the preparation of alloys. The alloys were prepared in the atmosphere of purified argon applying crucibleless melting (0.022 kg mass) and arc melting (0.5 kg mass). The content of alloying elements, oxygen and carbon impurities was controlled by methods of emission spectrum and X-ray microanalyses as well as the method of vacuum melting. Oxygen content in the alloys varied from 1.7 to 4.7x10-2, and that of cabon - from 4.3 to 6.6x10-2 mass %. The content of alloying elements in the alloys was close to the calculated one. Data are presented on physical and mechanical properties, weldability and compatibility with lithium. It is recommended to use W2Zr and Mo2Zr intermetallides in niobium alloys as a strengthening phase in quantities not exceeding 1.2 mol%. When oxygen (as impurity) and intermetallide (as strengthener) are present simultaneously, the process of their corrosion in lithium is completely nonexistent because these phases are kinetically stable relative to lithium. V2Zr intermetallide can not be used as a strengthening phase as a consequence of its structural instability at the presence of oxygen impurity in alloys