Mechanical activation effect on the self-sustaining combustion reaction in the Mo-Si system

Nanostructured molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) was synthesized using an alternative route called MASHS (mechanically activated self-propagating high-temperature synthesis). This original process combines a short duration ball milling (MA) with a self-sustaining combustion (SHS). These two steps were investigated. The microstructure evolution of the powder mixture during mechanical activation was monitored using XRD profile analysis and TEM investigations. Short duration ball milling of (Mo+2Si) powder produces Mo and Si nanocrystallites into micrometric particles. It was demonstrated that pure alpha -MoSi2 with nanometric structure (D-MoSi2 = 88 nm) could be produced via a very fast combustion front in contrast to the classical SHS process. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.