Effect of Mo addition on the phase stability of β-Nb5Si3 phase

Effect of Mo addition on phase stability of β-Nb5Si3 in NbSi2/Nb5Si3 in situ composites has been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The preferential occupancy of the Mo atoms in the β-Nb5Si3 structure was investigated with the Rietveld profile technique. It is suggested that Mo addition stabilizes the β-Nb5Si3 phase. The results were explained on the basis of selective substitution of Mo atoms in β-Nb5Si3.