Comparative studies on densification behavior, microstructure, mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of Mo-12Si-10B and Mo₃Si-free Mo-26Nb-12Si-10B alloys

Two bulk Mo-Si-B based alloys (Mo-12Si-10B and Mo-26Nb-12Si-10B (at.%), abbreviated as 0Nb and 26Nb alloy respectively) were fabricated by mechanical alloying and then hot pressing. Comparative studies were carried out on the densification behavior, microstructure, room-temperature fracture toughness, elevated temperature compression and oxidation resistance of these two alloys. The results showed that alloy 0Nb was composed of (Mo), Mo₃Si and Mo₅SiB₂, while alloy 26Nb was free of Mo₃Si and had higher (Mo) content and a little γNb₅Si₃. Compared to the alloy 0Nb, alloy 26Nb presented better compactibility, higher room-temperature fracture toughness (8.84 ± 0.17 vs. 6.77 ± 0.20 MPa·m^1/2) and elevated temperature compression strength (851.7 ± 11.7 vs. 644.2 ± 10.2 MPa) but worse oxidation resistance.