MoSi2-Base Composite for Engine Applications

The intermetallic compound MoSi2 has long been known as a high temperature material that has excellent oxidation resistance and electrical/thermal conductivity. Also its low cost, high melting point (2023 C), relatively low density (6.2 g/cm versus 8 g/cm for current engine materials), and ease of machining make it an attractive structural material. However, the use of MoSi2 has been hindered because of the brittle nature of the material at low temperatures, inadequate creep resistance at high temperatures, accelerated oxidation (also known as 'pest' oxidation) at temperatures between approximately 400 and 500 C, and a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is relatively high in comparison to potential reinforcing fibers such as SiC. This CTE mismatch between the fiber and the matrix resulted in severe matrix cracking during thermal cycling.