Fracture toughness of a hot-extruded multiphase Nb–10Si–2Fe in situ composite

Hot extrusion of a multiphase Nb–10Si–2Fe (at.%) in situ composite was performed at 1600 °C with an extrusion ratio of 30:1. The fracture toughness of the as-sintered and hot-extruded + heat-treated composite was investigated. In the extruded condition, the Nbss and Nb4Fe3Si5 phase can provide significant toughening of this composite by plastic stretching, interface decohesion and crack bridging mechanisms. The effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of this composite indicates that the microstructures exhibit little coarsening up to 1700 °C.