Room temperature microindentation of single-crystal MoSi2

Single crystals of MoSi2 have been grown by the Czochralski method and characterized by X-ray and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. The mechanical properties have been studied at room temperature using indentation testing coupled with TEM methods which investigate the region below the indentation. The plastic zone below the indentation as been characterized in terms of the distribution of two different types of dislocations. In addition the fracture of MoSi2 has been studied as a function of indentation size.