Synthesis of dense MoSi2 by high-frequency induction heated combustion and its mechanical properties

Dense MoSi2 compound was synthesized with the high-frequency induction heated combustion synthesis method in one step from elemental powders of Mo and Si within 2 min. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were carried out under the combined effects of induced current and mechanical pressure. A highly dense MoSi2 with a relative density of up to 98% was produced with simultaneous application of 60 MPa pressure and induced current. The percentages of the total shrinkage occurring before and during the synthesis reaction were 16% and 53%, respectively. The average grain size was about 15 pm and a slight amount of Mo5Si3 was observed at the boundaries of the MoSi2 grains. The fracture toughness and hardness values obtained were 3.5 MPa . M and 1050 kg/mm(2), respectively. These values were similar to those of commercial ones.