Effect of MoSi2/rare earth composite particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of molybdenum

► Results show that the MoSi2/La2O3 and MoSi2/Y2O3 composite particles transformed to La2O3/Mo5Si3 and Y2O3/Mo5Si3 composite particles due to the in situ reaction between Mo and MoSi2 during sintering process. ► Mo5Si3/La2O3 and Mo5Si3/Y2O3 composite particles can reduce the grain size and improve both strength and toughness of sintered molybdenum significantly. ► Mo5Si3/Y2O3 composite particles contribute more to the strength, while the effect of Mo5Si3/La2O3 on toughness is greater than that of Mo5Si3/Y2O3.