Abstract

The activated sintering behavior of MoSi_2 powder compacts with addition of 0.5 and 1.0 wt.%Ni during the sintering under As atmosphere was studied. The shrinkage was measured and the microstructures were observed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and BEI (backscattered electron image) along with the phase analysis by EDS during heating up to 1550°C and holding for various time at 1550°C. The most of shrinkage occurred upon heating and 92% of theoretical density was attained after sintering for 1 hr at 1550°C. However, little shrinkage ensued even for prolonged sintering over 1 hr at 1550°C. A liquid film formed at about 1350°C along necks and grain boundaries. The polyhedral grain structure composed of (Mo,Ni)_5Si_3and Ni_2Si across the MoSi_2 grain boundary developed at 1550°C. It was concluded that the activated sintering of MoSi_2 powder by Ni led to the diffusion of Si into Ni decreasing the liquidus temperature and the enhanced diffusion of Mo and Si through such a liquid phase and/or interboundary of (Mo,Ni)_5Si_3.