Phase Equilibria in the V-Rich Region of the V-Si-B System at 1400 °C

Abstract The phase equilibria in the V-rich region of the V-Si-B system, including the V 8 SiB 4 phase, have been experimentally investigated. Eleven alloys with key compositions were produced by arc-melting or levitation-melting. The samples were then annealed at 1400 °C for 100/200/300 h under high vacuum condition. The as-cast and heat-treated alloys were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The isothermal section at 1400 °C of the V-rich V-Si-B system was determined and compared with the one at 1600 °C. The determined isothermal section can be applied to the design of V-Si-B alloys.