Composites Based on Molybdenum Disilicide: Progress and Prospects

Abstract

AbstractAs the temperature demands increase in advanced aerospace systems, engineering materials that can withstand 1200° to 1600°C exposure in air must be developed. MoSi2 is an intermetallic compound that has many, though not all, of the necessary physical and mechanical properties for use in this temperature regime. At ambient and moderate temperatures MoSi2 is brittle, but once the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) is exceeded, it rapidly loses strength. Recent progress in, and current status of, the research efforts in MoSi2 matrix composites will be reviewed, with an emphasis on the critical issues that currently impede progress to application.