Thermal properties of MoSi2 and SiC whisker-reinforced MoSi2

The samples of MoSiO2 and 18 vol pct SiC whisker-reinforced MoSi2 whose heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion were investigated as a function of temperature were HIPed at 1650-1700 C for 4 hr. Whisker reinforcement enhanced heat capacity by about 10 percent, while similarly decreasing thermal conductivity and expansion coefficient. Attention is given to trends in the data, with a view to their potential implications for high-temperature applications of MoSi2 where it can substitute Ni-base superalloys and obviate their cooling requirements. (O.C.)