Microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb-Ti-Si-Al-Hf-xCr-yV multi-element in situ composite

► The first time to report that the combination roles of Cr and V on multi-component Nbss/Nb-silicide in situ composite. ► Higher Cr and V contents stabilized β-Nb5Si3 at room temperature. ► Lower Cr (<6 at.%) and V (<4 at.%) improved the room fracture toughness. ► Higher Cr and V contents were preferred to increase the strength of the studied multi-component system at 1250 °C.