Some basic properties of MoSi
2 Cermet for refractory hard materials have been investigated. MoSi
2 powder was prepared of pure molybdenum and silicon mixture by arc-melting in an argon atmosphere and subsequent crushing in a ball-mill. The preparation of MoSi
2 Cermet was carried out either by hot-pressing in vacuum or sintering in vacuum subsequent to cold-pressing of mixture of MoSi
2 powder and 5∼10% binder metals. Some physical and mechanical properties of the specimens were investigated. The results obtained were as follows: (1) The density and the hot-hardness of the specimens obtained by hot-pressing in vacuum are better than those of the specimens made by cold-pressing. (2) In general, these test indicate that the optimum sintering (hot-pressing) temperature for MoSi
2 Cermet is lower than the melting point of the binder metal used. It was 1300∼1400°C for Ni and Co, 1350∼1400°C for Fe, and 1300∼1380°C for binder metal of stainless steel. The maximum density obtained by hot-pressing reached 99.2∼98.0% of the theoretical value. (3) These specimens have shown satisfactory resistance against 10% hydrochloric acid and 10% sulphuric acid, but a worse resistance against 15% nitric acid. (4) In oxidation tests at 1100°C the resistivity against oxidation was found decreased with increase of the amount of binder metals. (5) In general, the hardness in hot state is decreased with increasing the amount of binder metals. For instance, it was 150∼170 (Hv) at 850°C with 10% binder metals. (6) The thermal shock resistance is improved by increasing the amount of binder metals. (7) The moduli of rupture of these specimens average 27∼32 kg/mm
2 at 800°C.
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