Fabrication and characterization of SiC/MoSi2 composites

In the present study, SiC particle reinforced molybdenum–disilicide (MoSi2) matrix composites have been fabricated by hot press sintering and in situ reaction sintering process successfully. Hot pressed SiCp/MoSi2 composite has a phase constituent with about 20 vol.% α-SiC and less Mo5Si3 in MoSi2 matrix. In situ SiC/MoSi2 composite contains about 24.5 vol.% β-SiC and a small amount of Mo5Si3 in MoSi2 matrix. Two types of SiC/MoSi2 composites have been improved in their hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness. Compressive yield strength of SiC/MoSi2 composites at 1200 and 1400°C has also been enhanced obviously. Wear behavior test abraded on Al2O3 and SiC grind wheel has shown very excellent wear resistance of SiC/MoSi2 composites compared with monolithic MoSi2.