In situ fabrication and properties of 0.4MoB-0.1SiC-xMoSi2 composites by self-propagating synthesis and hot-press sintering

Mo, Si and B4C powders were used to fabricate 0.4MoB-0.1SiC-xMoSi2 composites by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and hot pressing (HP). The effects of MoSi2 content (x = 1, 0.75, 0.5 and 0.25) on phase composition, microstructure and properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the 0.4MoB-0.1SiC-xMoSi2 composite exhibited Vickers hardness of 10.7-15.2 GPa, bending strength of 337-827 MPa and fracture toughness of 4.9-7.0 MPa m1/2. The fracture toughness increased with the increasing volume fraction of MoB and SiC particles which were promoted by the toughening mechanisms, such as crack bridging, cracks deflection and crack branching. Moreover, the electrical resistivity showed an increasing trend with decreasing volume fraction of MoSi2.