This paper dealt with the characterization of Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites suffered from high temperature thermal shock history. Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites consisted of single MoSi2 matrix layers alternated with four layers of Nb foil. The MoSi2 matrix region of Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites was consolidated by a vacuum hot pressing, using a commercial powder with an average size of 2.8 μm. The flexural strength of Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites has been investigated at the thermal shock temperature difference up to 600 οC. Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites represented a dense morphology in the matrix region, accompanying the creation of two types of reaction layer at the interfacial region. The flexural strength of Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites was greatly affected by the thermal shock test temperature. Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites represented a rapid reduction of flexural strength at the thermal shock temperature difference higher than 300 οC.

Keywords: Nb/MoSi2 laminate composites, microstructure, sintered density, flexural strength, thermal shock temperature.