Rapid Sintering Preparation and High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of MoSi2-B4C Composite Coating on Nb Alloy

MoSi2-B4C composite coatings were prepared on Nb alloy by spark plasma sintering process using pure Mo, Si and B4C powders as the coating starting materials. The microstructure formation process and interface reaction characteristics of the coatings during SPS were studied. The oxidation resistance of the coatings at 1450 degrees C was investigated. The results show that the MoSi2 phase forms completely in the coatings during the heating stage of sintering, and the B4C particles react with the neighboring MoSi2 to form SiC and Mo2B5 at the initial stage of holding time. During the sintering process, elements Si and B diffuse inwardly from the coatings to the Nb substrate, forming an interdiffusion zone composed of NbSi2+NbB outer layer and Nb5Si3 inner layer. The coatings can protect Nb alloy effectively from oxidation at 1450 degrees C for at least 100 h, and dense SiO2-B2O3 oxide scales are formed on the surfaces of the coatings. The presence of NbB in the interdiffusion zone effectively impedes the inward diffusion of Si in the coating during the oxidation process.