Nb-16Si-24Ti-6Cr-6A1-2Hf-xCe （x =0, 0.05, 0.1,02.5, 0.5, 1 （%, atom fraction）） in situ composites were prepared by arc melting The microstmcture and the effect of rare earth element cerium on 1250℃ oxidation resistance of the composites were investigated with scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and X-ray energy disperse spectrum （EDS）, as well as X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The experimental results showed that the high temperature oxidation resistance of the alloy was improved by adding a proper amount of cerium （Ce）. The effect of Ce was considered as the concurrent of the following three factors： first, the oxide of Ce formed in the interface reduced the internal oxidation rate; second, the lath shaped oxide containing Ce increased the cracking resistance and reduced the expansion of the oxide scale; and third, the decrease of the sificide volume fraction on account of Ce addition reduces the power of the sample resisting oxygen penetration.
