Incorporation of ZrO2 into MoSi2 Porous Bodies by Chemical Vapour Infiltration

Incorporation of ZrO2 has been shown to strengthen MoSi2 at room temperature. ZrO2 was incorporated into MoSi2 partially sintered bodies by means of CVI. An organometallic precursor was used to fill the fine pore network. Infiltration kinetics were studied by observing the infiltrated microstructures under different conditions, and the infiltrated distance was estimated using a one-dimensional analytical model, and it was possible to explain the experimental result at 2.6 kPa. Infiltration temperature of 673K resulted in low crystallinity of the deposited ZrO2, and post annealing treatment was conducted. Microstructural changes were observed by TEM. Optimum conditions for fabricating MoSi2/ZrO2 by CVI are discussed, taking account of the obtained results. 4 refs.