Directionally solidified (DS) in-situ composites based on (Nb) and (Nb) silicides, such as Nb5Si3 and Nb3Si, are presently under investigation as high-temperature structural materials [1, 2]. Alloying additions of elements such as Hf, Ti and Mo to these silicides are also being explored. The present paper describes the microstructure of a DS Nb-silicide based composite before and after creep deformation.

Alloys were prepared from high purity elements (>99.9%) using induction levitation melting in a segmented water-cooled copper crucible. The alloys were directionally solidified using the Czochralski method [2]. Creep tests were conducted at 1200°C to 50% deformation. Characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), and electron backscatter diffraction pattern analysis (EBSP).