Diffusional reactions between Mo and Si in the synthesis and densification of MoSi2

In combustion synthesis, and in simultaneous reaction synthesis and hot pressing of Mo + 2Si powders, a heterogeneous reaction occurs between liquid Si and Mo powder. When the reactant mixture is heated at low heating rates, Mo₅Si₃ is observed as a secondary phase along with MoSi₂. Application of pressure during the reaction synthesis of MoSi₂ eliminates the need to hot press a pre-alloyed powder. The technique can be applied to obtain composites and alloys of MoSi₂ and various other transition metal silicides.