Simultaneous Synthesis and Consolidation of Nanostructured MoSi2-NbSi2 Composite by High-Frequency Induction Heated Sintering and Its Mechanical Properties

The current concern about these materials ($MoSi_2$ and $NbSi_2$) focuses on their low fracture toughness below the ductile-brittle transition temperature. To improve the mechanical properties of these materials, the fabrication of nanostructured and composite materials has been found to be effective. Nanomaterials frequently possess high strength, high hardness, excellent ductility and toughness, and more attention is being paid to their potential application. In this study, nanopowders of Mo, Nb, and Si were fabricated by high-energy ball milling. A dense nanostructured $MoSi_2-NbSi_2$ composite was simultaneously synthesized and sintered within two minutes by high-frequency induction heating method using mechanically activated powders of Mo, Nb, and Si. The high-density $MoSi_2-NbSi_2$ composite was produced under simultaneous application of 80MPa pressure and an induced current. The sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the composite were investigated. The average hardness and fracture toughness values obtained were $1180kg/mm^2$ and $3MPa{\cdot}m^{1/2}$, respectively. These fracture toughness and hardness values of the nanostructured $MoSi_2-NbSi_2$ composite are higher than those of monolithic $MoSi_2$ or $NbSi_2$.