Abstract
Microstructural examination of the Nb-Si-B alloys at Nb-rich compositions is performed. The Nb-rich corner of the Nb-Si-B system is favorable in that the constituent phases are Nb (ductile and tough phase with high melting temperature) and $T_2$ phase (very hard intermetallic compound with favorable oxidation resistance) which are good combination for high temperature structural materials. The samples containing compositions near Nb-rich corner of the Nb-Si-B ternary system are prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) process using $T_2$ and Nb powders. $T_2$ bulk phase is made in arc furnace by melting the Nb slug and the Si-B powder compact. The $T_2$ bulk phase was subsequently ball-milled to powders. SPS is performed at $1300^{\circ}C$ and $1400^{\circ}C$, depending on the composition, under 30 MPa for 600s, to produce disc-shaped specimen with 15 mm in diameter and 3 mm high. Hardness tests (Rockwell A-scale and micro Vickers) are carried out to estimate the mechanical property.