LAUSR

Abstract The microstructures and mechanical properties in compression (25 °C, 1000 °C and 1200 °C) of CrNb, CrNbTi and CrNbTaTi are reported. The CrNb alloy consisted of a Cr2Nb Laves phase matrix and Nb-rich BCC precipitates. After additions of Ti (CrNbTi alloy) the microstructure inverts to a Ti-rich BCC matrix, with Laves phase precipitates inside the matrix phase. Further additions of Ta to CrNbTi refined and decreased the volume fraction of the Laves phase particles in the CrNbTaTi alloy. CrNb exhibited limited ductility at 25 °C and 1000 °C, but became very ductile at 1200 °C and offered the highest compressive strength at all studied temperatures. CrNbTi and CrNbTaTi had better ductility, but suffered from a reduction in compressive strength.