Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Directionally Solidified Nb‐22Ti‐16Si‐7Cr‐3Al‐3Ta‐2Hf‐0.1Ho Alloy

The attractive combination of properties makes Niobium silicides one of the promising candidates of the next generation materials for high-temperature structural applications. However, the low ductility and toughness of Niobium silicides at room temperature have limited its practical applications. It was recently reported that directional solidification simultaneously improved the mechanical properties as does the addition of Ho. To further improve the strength and ductility of Nbss/Nb5Si3 composites, the authors combined the above-mentioned two benefits into one system.