Niobium aluminides

Niobium aluminides for structural applications to operate beyond the operating temperatures of conventional nickel-base superalloys have been assessed over the past few years. The niobium aluminides have extremely high strength at elevated temperatures, above 1000°C. Brittleness at ambient temperatures is alleviated by incorporating a ductile phase, and poor oxidation resistance is being improved by macro- or micro-alloying.