COMBUSTION SYNTHESIS OF MOSI2-SIC COMPOSITES

MoSi2, SiC, and MoSi2-SiC composites were prepared by the thermal explosion mode of self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis (SHS), from elemental powders Mo, Si, and carbon. The products were characterized using chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of MoSi2 in the product points out that it is in the molten state at the combustion temperature. SiC in the composite shows a very fine particle morphology. These results are supported by the earlier thermochemical calculation carried out on this system.