Mechanical activation effect on the self-sustaining combustion reaction inthe Mo-Si system

Nanostructured molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) was synthesized using an alter native route called MASHS (mechanically activated self-propagating high-tem perature synthesis). This original process combines a short duration ball m illing (MA) with a self-sustaining combustion (SHS). These two steps were i nvestigated. The microstructure evolution of the powder mixture during mech anical activation was monitored using XRD profile analysis and TEM investig ations. Short duration ball milling of (Mo+2Si) powder produces Mo and Si n anocrystallites into micrometric particles. It was demonstrated that pure a lpha -MoSi2 with nanometric structure (D-MoSi2 = 88 nm) could be produced v ia a very fast combustion front in contrast to the classical SHS process. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.