Microstructure and Compression Properties of V_SS‑V₃B₂ Eutectic Alloys in the V-Si-B System

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgy
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Understanding the phase behavior of V-Si-B alloys is crucial for developing advanced materials.
• The V_SS-V₃B₂ phase region's influence on mechanical properties requires detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically characterize the microstructural evolution of V-Si-B alloys.
• To determine the impact of V_SS-V₃B₂ phase composition on room temperature plasticity.
• To trace the eutectic composition from binary V-B to ternary V-Si-B systems.

Main Methods:

• Conventional arc melting for alloy production.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructural analysis.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification.
• Room temperature compression testing for mechanical property evaluation.

Main Results:

• The V_SS-V₃B₂ eutectic trough extends into the ternary V-Si-B system up to V-5Si-9B.
• The V_SS phase governs plastic deformability in the eutectic microstructure.
• The intermetallic V₃B₂ phase acts as a significant hardening agent.

Conclusions:

• The study provides novel insights into the V_SS-V₃B₂ phase region in V-Si-B alloys.
• Microstructure-property relationships were established, highlighting the roles of V_SS and V₃B₂ phases.
• Findings contribute to the design of V-Si-B alloys with tailored mechanical properties.