Phase relation and microstructure of NbCr2 Laves intermetallics in ternary Nb-Cr-X alloy systems

The isothermal phase diagrams of ternary alloy systems Nb-Cr-V and Nb-Cr-Mo are determined by metallography, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). In two alloy systems, the C15 NbCr2 Laves phases are equilibrated directly with bce solid solution without forming any intermediate phases. Relatively large amount of ternary elements V and Mo are soluble in the C15 NbCr2 Laves phases. It is shown that the C15 Laves phases extend along directions so that V occupies Cr site while Mo occupies Nb site. Also, characteristic structure containing micro twins and stacking faults is observed in the C15 Laves phase alloyed with Mo. Bcc phase has a wider solid solution range in the X(=V and Mo)-rich side than the Nb-rich and Cr-rich sides. A variety of duplex microstructures are observed depending on alloy system and alloy composition.