In situ synthesis of SiCW/MoSi2 composite through SPS process

A 15 vol% SiC whisker reinforced MoSi2 matrix composite has been successfully prepared by spark plasma sintering via in situ processing. After sintering, a uniform dispersion of SiC whiskers is obtained in the MoSi2 matrix based on the reaction between Mo powders, carbon and Si3N4 whiskers. XRD results show that the sintered products are composed of MoSi2, Mo4.8Si3C0.6 and SiC phases. Sintered composites exhibit higher than 89.9% of theoretical density. Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the composites are in the range of 9.98-12.18 GPa and 4.59-8.45 MPa m1/2, respectively.