Property and Oxidation Behaviours of (Mo,Cr)Si2 + ZrO2 Composite Produced by Pressure-Less Sintering

Abstract

A composites of (Mo0.9Cr0.1)Si2 + 15vol% ZrO2 was prepared with powder metallurgy and PressureLess Sintering (PLS) method, aiming at applications of high temperature structural materials. Mechanical properties of the composites were assessed with hardness, indentation fracture toughness Kc and KIC tested using SEVNB, flexure strength at room temperature and 1200˚C, and isothermal oxidation at 1400˚C. The results showed that the native silica oxide and molybdenum-oxides on the silicide feedstock surface were significantly reduced in terms of Cr-alloying. (Mo0.9Cr0.1)Si2 and its composite also exhibited improved sinterability and grain growth, owing to the presence of (Cr, Mo)5Si3 at grain boundaries. Fracture toughness of the composite was increased by a factor of 1.6 to that in the monolithic silicide. Mechanical property of the composite at high temperature was not affected by Cr addition. However, the high temperature oxidation resistance was greatly improved in the (Mo0.9Cr0.1)Si2 + 15vol% ZrO2 compared with the non Cr-alloyed counterpart. The Cr-alloying effects on the microstructure, fracture behaviour, and high temperature oxidation resistance were discussed.