Characterization of Structure and Mechanical Properties of MoSi2-SiC Nanolayer Composites

Abstract

AbstractA systematic study of the structure-mechanical properties relationship is reported for MoSi2-SiC nanolayer composites. Alternating layers of MoSi2 and SiC were synthesized by DCmagnetron and if-diode sputtering, respectively. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy was used to examine three distinct reactions in the specimens when exposed to different annealing conditions: crystallization and phase transformation of MoSi2, crystallization of SiC, and spheroidization of the layer structures. Nanoindentation was employed to characterize the mechanical response as a function of the structural changes. As-sputtered material exhibits amorphous structures in both types of layers and has a hardness of 11GPa and a modulus of 217GPa. Subsequent heat treatment induces crystallization of MoSi2 to form the C40 structure at 500°C and SiC to form the a structure at 700°C. The crystallization process is directly responsible for the hardness and modulus increase in the multilayers. A hardness of 24GPa and a modulus of 340GPa can be achieved through crystallizing both MoSi2 and SiC layers. Annealing at 900°C for 2h causes the transformation of MoSi2 into the Cllb structure, as well as spheroidization of the layering to form a nanocrystalline equiaxed microstructure. A slight degradation in hardness but not in modulus is observed accompanying the layer break-down.