| Abstract Scope |
Advancements in refractory complex concentrated alloys (RCCAs) could uncover lighter, stronger materials at higher temperatures in the nuclear and aerospace industries, but the ability to customize microstructures for optimized performance is not well known. This project investigates the role of thermomechanical processing (TMP) on microstructural and mechanical properties of multi-phase RCCAs. The selected system, Nb-10Ti-X (Si, B) (at.%), is expected to form a refractory matrix with secondary silicide and/ or boride precipitates, providing potential to lower the alloy density and raise the strength at high temperatures. Multiphase RCCA samples were synthesized by arc melting, and the grain size, porosity, phase fractions, and phase compositions were examined before TMP. Initial micrographs of Nb-10Ti and Nb-10Ti-1B show a clear transition from a single-phase to a two-phase system. Finite element modeling will help inform future TMP parameters and composition selections, and the material characterization will be repeated post-TMP to study the microstructural changes. |