Mechanical Behavior of MoSi2 Reinforced–Si3N4Matrix Composites |
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Authors: | John J. Petrovic Maria I. Pena Ivar E. Reimanis Michael S. Sandlin Samuel D. Conzone H. Harriet Kung Darryl P. Butt |
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Affiliation: | Materials Science and Technology Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico |
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Abstract: | The mechanical behavior of MoSi2 reinforced–Si3N4 matrix composites was investigated as a function of MoSi2 phase content, MoSi2 phase size, and amount of MgO densification aid for the Si3N4 phase. Coarse-phase MoSi2-Si3N4 composites exhibited higher room-temperature fracture toughness than fine-phase composites, reaching values >8 MP·am1/2. Composite fracture toughness levels increased at elevated temperature. Fine-phase composites were stronger and more creep resistant than coarse phase composites. Room-temperature strengths >1000 MPa and impression creep rates of ∼10−8 s−1 at 1200°C were observed. Increased MgO levels generally were deleterious to MoSi2-Si3N4 mechanical properties. Internal stresses due to MoSi2 and Si3N4 thermal expansion coefficient mismatch appeared to contribute to fracture toughening in MoSi2-Si3N4 composites. |
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