Effect of Si on thermal stability of Nb-22.5Cr alloy

The effect of alloying element Si on thermal stability of the hot-pressed Nb-22.5Cr alloy has been studied. The vast majority of alloying element Si exists in NbCr2 particles and not in Nb matrix and Si rather replaces Cr than Nb in the NbCr2 particles. The Vickers hardness, room-temperature compression properties and fracture toughness of the Nb-22.5Cr alloy can be more stable during the thermal exposure process by adding alloying element Si. Alloying element Si can improve the thermal stability of the Nb-22.5Cr alloy.