Microstructure Characteristics and Oxidation Behavior of Molybdenum Disilicide Coatings Prepared by Vacuum Plasma Spraying

Abstract

In this study, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) coatings were fabricated by vacuum plasma spraying technology. Their morphology, composition, and microstructure characteristics were intensively investigated. The oxidation behavior of MoSi2 coatings was also explored. The results show that the MoSi2 coatings are compact with porosity less than 5%. Their microstructure exhibits typical lamellar character and is mainly composed of tetragonal and hexagonal MoSi2 phases. A small amount of tetragonal Mo5Si3 phase is randomly distributed in the MoSi2 matrix. A rapid weight gain is found between 300 and 800 °C. The MoSi2 coatings exhibit excellent oxidation-resistant properties at temperatures between 1300 and 1500 °C, which results from the continuous dense glassy SiO2 film formed on their surface. A thick layer composed of Mo5Si3 is found to be present under the SiO2 film for the MoSi2 coatings treated at 1700 °C, suggesting that the phenomenon of continuous oxidation took place.