Interdiffusion behaviors and mechanical properties of Hf-X (X=Nb, Ta) binary systems

The diffusion behaviours and mechanical properties of the Hf-X (X = Nb, Ta) systems have been investigated using diffusion couples in the temperature range from 1150 degrees C to 1500 degrees C. The interdiffusion coefficients of Hf-X (X = Nb, Ta) systems were extracted using forward simulation analysis (FSA) based on the Sauer-Freise method. According to the results, the interdiffusion coefficients of the Hf-X (X = Nb, Ta) systems decreased as the Nb or Ta content increased. In the meantime, the diffusion activation energies of Hf-X (X = Nb, Ta) systems increased as the Nb or Ta content increased. Finally, the hardness and Young's moduli of the Hf-Nb and Hf-Ta systems were determined by nanoindentation tests. The largest hardness values of the Hf-Nb and Hf-Ta were 5.2 GPa and 5.3 GPa, respectively. Young's largest moduli of the Hf-Nb and Hf-Ta were 221 GPa and 238 GPa, respectively. The present results provide helpful diffusional data and mechanical properties for the materials design, research and development of hafnium-based alloys.

Automated summary

Diffusion behaviours and mechanical properties of the Hf-X (X = Nb, Ta) systems were investigated using diffusion couples in the temperature range from 1150°C to 1500°C. The interdiffusion coefficients of the Hf-X (X = Nb, Ta) systems decreased as the Nb or Ta content increased, while the diffusion activation energies increased. Nanoindentation tests determined the hardness and Young's moduli of the Hf-Nb and Hf-Ta systems.