Simultaneous synthesis and consolidation process of ultra-fine WSi2-SiC and its mechanical properties

Dense WSi2-SiC composite was synthesized by high-frequency induction heated combustion synthesis (HFIHCS) method within 2 min in one step from powders of WC and Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of an induced current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense WSi2-SiC with relative density of up to 97% was produced under simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and the induced current. The average grain size of WSi2 and SiC were about 0.78 and 0.56 μm, respectively. The hardness and fracture toughness values obtained were 1790 kg/mm2 and 4.4 MPa m1/2, respectively.