Processing and Mechanical Properties of Alumina Platelet Reinforced Molybdenum Disilicide Laminates

Tape‐casting has been used to develop molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2)/alumina(Al2O3) platelet composites having a high degree of microstructural anisotropy. The processing conditions were selected to achieve optimum dispersion of the AL203 platelets in the MoSi2, matrix. Mechanical properties have been studied from room temperature up to 1200° C. It is observed that both toughness and strength increase, with increasing temperature up to 1100° C. Platelet pull‐out was apparent in the MoSi2, matrix, contributing to a fracture toughness of ∼4.8 MPa.m1/2 at room temperature rising to ∼6.5 MPa.m1/2 at 1100°C. A substantial increase of the strength (up to 78%) has been obtained when compared with monolithic MoSi2.