Microwave activated combustion synthesis of bulk cobalt silicides

CoSi and CoSi2 bulk intermetallic compounds have generated some interest as potential electronic and structural materials. Combustion synthesis has been shown to be an effective method for the preparation of many intermetallic compounds, but requires a high adiabatic temperature to propagate. Thermodynamic calculations show that cobalt silicides require activation. Microwave activation is attractive for combustion synthesis reactions, allowing rapid heating and cooling rates, volumetric heating, and direct absorption of energy by the reaction zone. In this study, a microwave activated combustion synthesis process was used to produce CoSi and CoSi2 bulk cobalt silicides. Thermal activation and conventional combustion synthesis were also attempted, and the results of the three processes are compared.