Processing, Microstructures, and Properties of Cr-Cr3Si, Nb-Nb3Si, and V-V3Si Eutectics

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Abstract
The present paper examines the potential of refractory metal-A15 silicide composites as structural materials for high temperature applications. Three eutectic systems are considered, Cr-Cr3Si, Nb-Nb3Si, and V-V3Si, since they all have melting points above 1700°C and densities lower than Ni-based superalloys. Eutectic compositions were selected because directional solidification of eutectics can be used to generate aligned composite microstructures. The present paper describes processing, microstructures and properties of directional ly solidified Cr-Cr3Si, Nb-Nb3Si, and V-V3Si. Based on microstructural and chemical analyses, some phase diagram modifications are suggested. The orientation relationships between the refractory metal and A15-silicide phases were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. In the Cr-Cr3Si eutectic a strong orientation relationship was observed; there was excellent lattice matching of the (110) in Cr and (210) in Cr3Si. Room temperature and elevated temperature microhard-ness and fracture toughness are also reported; these indicate good strength retention in Nb-Nb3Si at elevated temperatures.