Microstructure, mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of Nb silicide based ultrahigh temperature alloys with Hf addition

Four Nb silicide based ultrahigh temperature alloys with compositions of Nb-22Ti-16Si-3Cr-3Al-2B-xHf (x=0, 2, 4 and 8) (at%) were prepared by vacuum non-consumable arc melting. The effects of Hf content on the phase selection, microstructure, room-temperature fracture toughness, compressive performance and isothermal oxidation behavior at 1250°C of the alloys have been investigated. The results show that the formation of α(Nb,X)₅Si₃ is suppressed and instead the formation of γ(Nb,X)₅Si₃ is promoted by Hf addition. The Hf addition (especially 8at%) improves the room-temperature fracture toughness of the alloy. The hardness of γ(Nb,X)₅Si₃ increases with its Hf concentration. The compression strength of the alloy is the highest at 4at% Hf, and then obviously reduces at 8at% Hf due to embrittlement of the alloy (especially that of γ(Nb,X)₅Si₃). The oxidation resistance of the alloy has been firstly ameliorated by the lower Hf addition (2at%) and then degraded by the higher Hf addition (especially 8at%). The details have been discussed.