Oxidation behavior at 300–1000 °C of a (Mo,W)Si2-based composite containing boride

The oxidation behavior of a (Mo,W)Si2 composite with boride addition was examined at 300–1000 °C for 24 h in dry O2. The oxidation kinetics was studied using a thermobalance, and the oxide scales were analyzed using a combination of electron microscopy (SEM/EDX, FIB, BIB) and XRD. Accelerated oxidation was found to occur between 500 °C and 675 °C, with a peak mass gain at 625 °C. The rapid oxidation is attributed to the vaporization of molybdenum oxide that leaves a porous and poorly protective silica layer behind. At higher temperature (700–1000 °C) a protective scale forms, consisting of a dense SiO2/B2O3 glass.