Combustion synthesis and mechanical properties of molybdenum disilicide composites reinforced with SiC particulate

Intermetallic composites of molybdenum disilicide reinforced with silicon carbide were produced by combustion synthesis of the elemental powders. The combustion reaction was initiated near 700°C and completed within a few seconds. The end product was a porous composite which was subsequently hot pressed to >97% theoretical density. The grains of the matrix were 8–14 μm in size surrounded by SiC particulate reinforcement of 1–5 μm. The …