ABSTRACT High‐pressure elastic characterization is crucial for unraveling the structural evolution and thermodynamic response of materials subjected to extreme environments. Herein, phase‐pure bulk tungsten disilicide (WSi 2 ) is fabricated using high‐pressure and high‐temperature‐assisted sintering. The as‐synthesized material possesses a dense microstructure and high dislocation density, which collectively contribute to superior mechanical performance. The high‐pressure coupled mechanical, elastic, thermodynamic, and electrical responses of WSi 2 are systematically explored through in situ ultrasonic interferometry combined with first‐principles calculations. The pressure‐dependent elastic characteristics are evaluated within the framework of a third‐order finite‐strain equation of state to obtain the intrinsic elastic moduli and their evolution with pressure. Upon compression, Vickers hardness exhibits a gradual decline, whereas fracture toughness rises monotonically, manifesting a competitive interplay between resistance to plastic deformation and resistance to crack propagation. Key thermodynamic parameters increase consistently with pressure, demonstrating markedly enhanced thermodynamic stability under high pressure. Moreover, electrical resistivity decreases exponentially with increasing pressure, primarily driven by pressure‐enhanced electron mobility. Such unique pressure‐responsive behaviors are intrinsically governed by the distinctive electronic structure and chemical bonding nature of WSi 2 . This study advances the fundamental understanding of structure–property correlations in refractory silicides under high‐pressure conditions and demonstrates that WSi 2 holds great application potential for next‐generation aerospace and nuclear energy components serving in harsh thermomechanical environments.
Ding et al. (Fri,) studied this question.