Abstract
Abstract The effect of mechanical activation on simultaneous reaction and consolidation of materials by the SPS method was investigated. Mechanical activation was accomplished by high-energy ball milling of reactant powders and synthesis and consolidation is achieved in one step in the SPS apparatus. Three examples will be presented and discussed: (a) the influence of product formation during milling on the initiation of the SPS reaction, (b) the formation of dense bulk nanometric monolithic (ceramic, intermetallic) and composite materials, and (c) the feasibility of microalloying of MoSi2 for mechanical property improvements. For case (a), we investigated the effect of phase evolution during milling on the SPS synthesis reaction of MoSi2. In the second examples we describe the synthesis of nanometric, high-density ceramics, intermetallics, and composites. And in the third example, we discuss the evidence for the first successful incorporation of Mg into the Si sub-lattice of MoSi2 for mechanical property improvements.
