Effect of the rate of solidification on the microstructure, phase composition, and strength of Nb/Nb5Si3 in-situ composites

Abstract

Nb/Nb5Si3 in situ composites are formed via directional solidification by the Bridgman method at rates of 1.25–2.50–5.00–10 mm min. The effect the rate of rate of solidification has on the microstructure, phase composition, and strength of the composites is studied. As the rate of solidification increases, the size of the eutectic cells diminishes, and the ultimate bending strength grows at 1300°C. The rate of solidification in the above ranges does not affect the phase composition of the composites. The chemical composition and lattice constants of the phase constituents do not vary after creep tests at 1300°C.