Studies of the Microstructure and Physical and Mechanical Properties of Layered Metal Composite Materials Based on a Molybdenum Matrix

Abstract

A method of producing layered metal composite materials (layered MCM) based on a molybdenum matrix is examined; the microstructure and physical and mechanical properties of the produced layered MCM are investigated. Molybdenum foil with a thickness of 0.25 mm and metal composite powder based on a molybdenum matrix doped with silicon and boron are used as layers. The metal composite powder based on a molybdenum matrix is synthesized by a high-energy mechanochemical method. The layered metal composite material is produced by compacting the molybdenum foil and the metal composite powder by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS). Investigation of the microstructure of layered MCM samples after thermal treatment demonstrates that the material preserves the layered structure after a prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Preservation of a layered structure upon high-temperature treatment indicates a high thermal stability of the obtained composite material. The performed physical and mechanical tests allow us to make conclusions on a complete consolidation of the metal composite materials by means of spark plasma sintering. The layered MCM based on a molybdenum matrix are to be used in a production of assemblies and parts of for aeronautic and space flight vehicles.