Interfacial modification and impact properties of Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites by the addition of ZrO2, NbSi2, and SiC particles

In this study, the results of a thermodynamical estimation indicate that th e impact properties of Nb/MoSi7 laminate composites can be improved by supp ressing the interfacial reaction. The effects of addition of SiC, NbSi2, an d ZrO2 on the impact properties and interfacial reaction of Nb/MoSi2 lamina te composites are also examined. Laminate composites, which comprise altern ate layers of matrix mixture and Nb foil, were fabricated by the hot press process. Addition of ZrO2 particle is clearly demonstrated to increase both the impact value and the sintered density of Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites. The thickness of the interfacial reaction layer in Nb/MoSi2 laminate compo sites dramatically decreases with increasing volume fraction of ZrO2 partic le. The suppression of the interfacial reaction is caused by the formation of ZrSiO4 in the MoSi2-ZrO2 matrix mixture. In addition, it appears that th e reduction of the reaction layer promotes the plastic deformation of Nb fo il and the interfacial delamination in laminate composites.