Mechanical Properties of MoSi2 Matrix Sintered Composites at Elevated Temperature.

SiC whisker reinforced MoSi2 composites were fabricated by hot pressing to more than 98% of theoretical density. Flexural strength and steady state creep strain rate of these composites exhibited substantial improvements over MoSi2 matrix material. In the case of the MoSi2-20vol% SiC whisker composites, the flexural strength was 1010 MPa (2.8 times MoSi2 matrix) at room temperature and 1420 MPa (3.7 times MoSi2 matrix) at 1000°C; the steady...