ABSTRACT
The research and development effort on refractory metal-silicides is driven by the requirement for higher operating temperatures in the range of 1100°C-1500°C for the gas turbine components in jet engines and other aerospace applications. In addition, there are several other existing or potential applications, including heating elements in high-temperature furnaces, molten metal lances, and diesel engine glow plugs. The primary requirements of these materials are high melting points, elevated-temperature strength retention, and resistance to creep and oxidation, as well as reasonable ductility and fracture toughness in the temperature range of application. Of course, it is desirable for the material to possess sufficient ductility and fracture toughness at room temperature as well.
