MoSi2‐Based Sandwich Composite Made by Tape Casting

The mechanical properties of a novel laminar composite made by tape casting have been studied. The composite consists of three layers in which an inner core of pure molybdenum disilicide (MoSi 2 ) is sandwiched between two layers of MoSi 2 reinforced with alumina platelets. Monolithic MoSi 2 exhibits poor room‐temperature strength and a brittle indentation strength response, indicative of the absence of R ‐curve behavior. The flexural behavior of the sandwich composite (both strength and toughness) is dominated by the properties of the outer layer, so long as the thickness of this layer exceeds a critical value. A model has been developed which successfully predicts the critical thickness required.