Fabrication and characterization of TiC-particle-reinforced MoSi2 composites

TiC particle reinforced molybdenum-disilicide (MoSi2) matrix composites have been fabricated by two step pH adjustment of aqueous slurry and hot press sintering processing. The effects of TiC on the microstructure and mechanical properties of MoSi2 matrix were investigated systematically. Due to the well-dispersed containing up to 40 vol.% TiCp the composite showed finer structure and improved mechanical properties than unreinforced material; the average 3-point bending strength at room temperature increased from 268 MPa for monolithic MoSi2 to 445 MPa for 40 vol.% TiCp-MoSi2. The fracture toughness at room temperature and load-bearing capability at elevated temperature also obviously was improved by the TiC particle reinforcement. This is in contrast to the result published in literatures in which a decrease in strength with the addition of TiC was reported. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.