COMBUSTION SYNTHESIS OF MOSI2-SIC COMPOSITES

MoSi2, SiC, and MoSi2-SiC composites were prepared by the thermal expl osion mode of self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis (SHS), from elemental powders Mo, Si, and carbon. The products were characterized using chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron mic roscopy. The morphology of MoSi2 in the product points out that it is in the molten state at the combustion temperature. SiC in the composit e shows a very fine particle morphology. These results are supported b y the earlier thermochemical calculation carried out on this system.