Fabrication of Nanostructured MoSi2-TaSi2 Composite by High-Frequency Induction Heating and its Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Nanopowders of Mo, Ta and Si were made by high-energy ball milling. A dense nanostructured MoSi2-TaSi2 composite was sintered by the high-frequency induction heated combustion method within 2 minutes from mechanically activated powder of Mo, Ta and Si. A highly dense MoSi2-TaSi2 composite was produced under simultaneous application of a 80 MPa pressure and the induced current. Mechanical properties and microstucture were investigated. The hardness and fracture toughness of the MoSi2-TaSi2 composite were 1200 kg/mm and 3.5 MPa.m, respectively. The mechanical properties were higher than those of monolithic MoSi2. (Received January 3, 2012)