Microstructure,sintering behavior and mechanical properties of SiC/MoSi2 composites by spark plasma sintering

SiC/MoSi₂ composites were synthesized at different temperatures by spark plasma sintering using Mo, Si and SiC powders as raw materials. The phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-prepared composites were investigated and the sintering behavior was also discussed. Results show that SiC/MoSi₂ composites are composed of MoSi₂, SiC and trace amount of Mo_4.8Si₃C_0.6 phase and exhibit a fine-grain texture. During the synthesis process, there was an evolution from solid phase sintering to liquid phase sintering. When sintered at 1600 °C, the SiC/MoSi₂ composites present the most favorable mechanical properties, the Vickers hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness are 13.4 GPa, 674 MPa and 5.1 MPa·m^1/2, respectively, higher 44%, 171%, 82% than those of monolithic MoSi₂. SiC can withstand the applied stress as hard phase and retard the rapid propagation of cracks as second phase, which are beneficial to the improved mechanical properties of SiC/MoSi₂ composites.