Shock synthesis of niobium silicide (Nb5Si3) via the flyer plate impact technique with high impact velocities

Abstract

High-velocity shock loading was applied over an elemental Nb and Si granular mixture (atomic ratio of 5:3) using the flyer plate technique to produce niobium silicide compounds, with flyer velocities of up to 2.23 km/s and 2.63 km/s employed in two separate treatments. Although it was ascertained that both velocities were sufficient to initiate a chemical reaction between the reactant mixtures, the extent of the shock-induced chemical reaction varied with the impact velocity. Whereas the lower impact velocity (2.23 km/s) led to a partial chemical reaction and localized products of NbSi2, Nb3Si, as well as unreacted Nb and Si, the higher impact velocity (2.63 km/s) brought about a complete shock-induced chemical reaction producing single-phase Nb5Si3 bulk product that matched the atomic ratio of Nb/Si in the mixture.