Enhanced mechanical properties of nanostructured WSi2–NbSi2 composite synthesized and sintered by high-frequency induction heating

Nanopowders of W, Nb, and Si were fabricated by high-energy ball milling. A dense nanostructured WSi2–NbSi2 composite was simultaneously synthesized and sintered by the high-frequency induction heating method within two minutes using mechanically activated powders of W, Nb, and Si. A high-density WSi2–NbSi2 composite was produced under simultaneous application of an 80-MPa pressure and an induced current. The sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the composite were investigated. The hardness and fracture toughness of the WSi2–NbSi2 composite were higher than those of monolithic WSi2 or NbSi2.