Enhanced mechanical properties of nanostructured WSi2-NbSi2 composite synthesized and sintered by high-frequency induction heating

Nanopowders of W, Nb, and Si were fabricated by high-energy ball milling. A dense nanostructured WSi2-NbSi2 composite was simultaneously synthesized and sintered by the high-frequency induction heating method within two minutes using mechanically activated powders of W, Nb, and Si. A high-density WSi2-NbSi2 composite was produced under simultaneous application of an 80-MPa pressure and an induced current. The sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the composite were investigated. The hardness and fracture toughness of the WSi2-NbSi2 composite were higher than those of monolithic WSi2 or NbSi2.