Abstract:SiC/MoSi2 composites were synthesized at different temperatures by spark plasma sintering using Mo, Si and SiC powders as raw materials. The phase composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-prepared composites were investigated and the sintering behavior was also discussed. Results show that SiC/MoSi2 composites are composed of MoSi2, SiC and trace amount of Mo4.8Si3C0.6 phase and exhibit a fine-grain texture. During the synthesis process, there was an evolution from solid phase sintering to liquid phase sintering. When sintered at 1600 °C, the SiC/MoSi2 composites present the most favorable mechanical properties, the Vickers hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness are 13.4 GPa, 674 MPa and 5.1 MPa·m1/2, respectively, higher 44%, 171%, 82% than those of monolithic MoSi2. SiC can withstand the applied stress as hard phase and retard the rapid propagation of cracks as second phase, which are beneficial to the improved mechanical properties of SiC/MoSi2 composites.

Key words: SiC/MoSi2 composite; microstructure; sintering behavior; mechanical properties; spark plasma sintering