Patent ID: 6613276
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: B22F,C22C

Abstract:
A method for the formation of an alloy of a transition metal silicide, said alloy having a fracture toughness that is greater than that of said transition metal silicide, said method comprising:(a) forming a powder mixture of elemental components comprising said transition metal, silicon, and an alloying element that substitutes for either said transition metal or said silicon in a transition metal silicide crystal lattice; (b) mechanically activating said powder mixture by milling at sufficient milling energy to cause incorporation of said alloying metal into a crystal structure containing said transition metal; and (c) reacting and densifying said mechanically activated powder mixture by compressing said mixture while passing an electric current through said mixture, thereby converting said mixture to a transition metal silicide crystal structure incorporating said alloying element.