Abstract
In order to improve the mechanical properties of MoSi2 alloys, the alloys with Al, B or Nb addition were prepared by an advanced consolidation process which combined mechanical alloying with pulse discharge sintering (MA-PDS). Their microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The MoSi2 alloys fabricated by MA-PDS process showed very fine microstructure when compared with the sample sintered from commercial MoSi2 powder. The sintered alloys made from powder milled in Ar atmosphere had dense microstructure compared with that milled in air because of suppression of oxide formation during milling, except for Al added alloy. On the effect of added elements in densification of the alloys, addition of B was more effective than Al or Nb. Both in the Vickers hardness test and in the tensile test at ambient temperature, the alloys fabricated by MA-PDS process showed good performance compared with the sample sintered from commercial MoSi2 powder due to the fine grain.
