Tensile properties of a refractory metal base in situ composite consisting of an Nb solid solution and hexagonal Nb5Si3

Tensile properties and fracture behavior of an Nb-SS/Nb5Si3 in situ composite in which the silicide has a hexagonal structure has been investigated. Excellent tensile strength of 460 MPa is obtained at 1470 K. The fracture is attributed to cleavage of the Nb5Si3, Nb-SS/Nb5Si3 interface separation and ductile rupture of Nb-SS. (C) 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.