Articles
  • Microstructure and properties of Si3N4-MoSi2 composites  
  • D. Sciti, S. Guicciardi and A. Bellosi*
  • CNR-ISTEC, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, Via Granarolo 64, I-48018 Faenza, Italy
Abstract
Si3N4-composite materials containing different amounts of MoSi2 were produced by hot-pressing. MoSi2 particles (mean size 0.8 mm) were homogeneously dispersed within a nanostructured Si3N4 matrix (mean grain size < 0.2 mm). The influence of MoSi2 inclusions on the microstructure, and electrical and mechanical properties of the composites is discussed and compared to the properties of monolithic Si3N4. As a result of the refined matrix microstructure and presence of ductile inclusions, these materials possess good mechanical properties, with bending strengths up to 1130 MPa (RT) and 880 MPa (1000°C) and fracture toughnesses up to 8 MPa·m½. Electrical resistivity is ~10-3 W·cm.

Keywords: molybdenum disilicide, composites, microstructure, mechanical properties

This Article

  • 2002; 3(3): 87-95

    Published on Sep 30, 2002