Abstract
This research investigated the impact of Cr content on the properties of (Mo,Cr)Si(2) composites. Composites with CrSi(2) molar fractions ranging from 0% to 10% were fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The study undertook a systematic analysis of the surface morphology, phase composition, mechanical properties, and high-temperature oxidation resistance of the sintered samples across different compositions. Notably, the (Mo(95),Cr(5))Si(2) composite sintered at 1400 °C exhibited enhanced properties, including a Vickers hardness of 11.6 GPa, a fracture toughness of 4.6 MPa·m(1/2), and a flexural strength of 397 MPa. Upon oxidation at 1500 °C, the (Mo,Cr)Si(2) composites formed a protective oxide layer comprised of SiO(2) and Cr(2)O(3). It was found that the generation and thickening of the protective oxide layer was promoted by the addition of moderate amounts of Cr to MoSi(2).