Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Two-Phase Alloys Based on NbCr₂

Katherine C. Chen, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Paul G . Kotula, Sandia National Laboratories
Carl M. Cady, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Michael E. Mauro, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Dan J. Thoma, Los Alamos National Laboratory

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© 1998, Materials Research Society. All rights Reserved.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Katherine Chen was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

Abstract

A two-phase, NbCrTi alloy (bcc + C15 Laves phase) has been developed using several alloy design methodologies. In efforts to understand processing-microstructure-property relationships, different processing routes were employed. The resulting microstructures and mechanical properties are discussed and compared. Plasma arc melted (PAM) samples served to establish baseline, as-cast properties. In addition, a novel processing technique, involving decomposition of a supersaturated and metastable precursor phase during hot isostatic pressing (HIP), was used to produce a refined, equilibrium two-phase microstructure. Quasi-static compression tests as a function of temperature were performed on both alloy types. Different deformation mechanisms were encountered based upon temperature and microstructure.