High temperature mechanical behavior of Nb–Mo–ZrC alloys

The microstructure and mechanical behavior of several Nb–Mo–ZrC alloys were investigated from room to elevated temperatures. Alloys with different compositions were prepared by arc-melting and homogenized. The resulting microstructure was characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. Compression tests were performed to determine the stress–strain curve and 0.2% flow stress of each alloy. The results indicated the compressive yield strengths of Nb–ZrC alloys were improved significantly with Mo addition from room to elevated temperature. The improvement of strength in the Nb–Mo–ZrC alloy is mainly attributed to solid solution strengthening of the matrix.