Diffusional reactions between Mo and Si in the synthesis and densification of MoSi 2

Abstract

In combustion synthesis, and in simultaneous reaction synthesis and hot pressing of Mo + 2Si powders, a heterogeneous reaction occurs between liquid Si and Mo powder. When the reactant mixture is heated at low heating rates, Mo 5Si 3 is observed as a secondary phase along with MoSi 2. Application of pressure during the reaction synthesis of MoSi 2 eliminates the need to hot press a pre-alloyed powder. The technique can be applied to obtain composites and alloys of MoSi 2 and various other transition metal silicides.