Effects of alloying elements on phase stability in Nb–Si system intermetallics materials

The effects of alloying elements, such as Ti, Cr, Al and Hf on phase stability in Nb–Si system intermetallics materials have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The binary, ternary and multicomponent alloys have been fabricated by vacuum non-consumable arc melting method. The results showed that Ti and Hf tend to stabilize Nb3Si phase to lower temperatures, while Cr and Al promote the direct formation of Nb5Si3 phase. The coordinate effects of alloying elements on microstructures of Nb–Si system intermetallics materials have also been examined.