ON THE FORMATION OF MOSI2 BY SELF-PROPAGATING HIGH-TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS

The formation mechanism of MoSi2 by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) was studied by quenching the reaction front into liqui d nitrogen or in a copper block. The microstructural analysis of the f ront indicated that the formation of MoSi2 occurs via dissolution of M o into Si melt followed by MoSi2 precipitation. The effects of process ing variables including Mo particle size, preheating temperature, and diluent content on the MoSi2 particle size were discussed: based on th e mechanism proposed in this study. Copyright (C) 1996 Acta Metallurgi ca Inc.