Synthesis of Mo5SiB2 based nanocomposites by mechanical alloying and subsequent heat treatment

► α-Mo-Mo5SiB2 nanocomposite was produced after 20 h milling of Mo-Si-B powders. ► Heat treatment of 5 h MAed powders led to the formation of boride phases. ► Heat treatment of 10 h MAed powders led to the formation of Mo5SiB2 phase. ► By increasing heat treatment time, quantity of Mo5SiB2 phase increased. ► 5 h heat treatment of 20 h MAed powders led to the formation of Mo5SiB2-based composite.