Elevated Temperature Mechanical Performance of Historical Niobium Alloys

Niobium's unique combination of high melting point, low density, and excellent strength make it a prime candidate for re-entry vehicles and other high-temperature applications. This work explores the mechanical performance of various historical niobium alloys, including C103 (Nb-10Hf-1Ti [wt%]), FS85 (Nb-28Ta-10W-1Zr), Cb752 (Nb-10W-2.5Zr), and WC3009 (Nb-30Hf-9W-1Zr). The research focuses on high-temperature uniaxial tension testing of these alloys fabricated using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing. Testing was conducted in a high-vacuum environment to minimize contamination from interstitial elements. This comparison allows us to understand the impact of L-PBF microstructure on the strength of these materials. The overall objective is to evaluate a broad range of historical niobium alloys to determine if any retain potential for future aerospace applications, particularly those requiring exceptional strength and creep resistance at high temperatures.