Manufacturing of low cost MoSi2/Al2O3 composites by microwave activated self propagating high temperature Synthesis

In this research, low cost MoSi2/Al2O3 composites with various amounts of molybdenum oxide, silica and aluminum were prepared by a microwave activated self propagating high temperature synthesis method. The effect of pressure and microwave radiation time on the physical properties and chemical composition of these composites were investigated. The results showed that for compression of green samples, a maximum density and a minimum porosity can be achieved by applying 300 MPa pressure and increasing the microwave radiation time, would lead to the desired phases and completion of the reaction. After 50 seconds of microwave radiation, the sintering density and hardness would reach the maximum values of 4.75 g/cm(3) and 1015 Vickers respectively.