Preparation and characterization of SiC/(Mo, W)Si2 composites from powders resulting from a SHS in a chemical oven

SiC reinforced (Mo, W)Si2 composites have been successfully prepared by pressureless sintering from “chemical oven” combustion synthesized powder. After sintering, a uniform dispersion of SiC particles and whiskers is obtained in the (Mo, W)Si2 matrix. The Vickers hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness of the SiC/(Mo, W)Si2 composites are up to 11.8 GPa, 253.3 MPa and 9.43 MPa m1/2, increased by 33.5%, 86.9% and 124.5% as compared to MoSi2 matrix by same process, respectively. The mechanism of mechanical properties improvement was also proposed. At last, the cyclic oxidation behavior of this composite has been discussed.