Synthesis and properties of MoAlB composites reinforced with SiC particles

Novel MoAlB composites reinforced with 5–15 vol% SiC have been firstly prepared and characterized in the present study. The SiC reinforcement is stable with MoAlB at a sintering temperature of 1200 °C in Ar. The 5 vol% SiC/MoAlB composite exhibited improved mechanical properties and enhanced oxidation resistance. A flexural strength of 380 MPa and a Vickers hardness of 12.7 GPa were achieved and increased by 24% and 51%, respectively, as compared with those for MoAlB, indicating the enhanced strengthening effect of SiC. Cyclic oxidation tests at 1200 and 1300 °C for 10 h in air showed that the 5 vol% SiC/MoAlB composite has better oxidation resistance than MoAlB due to the formation of a dense and continuous scale composed of Al2O3 and SiO2, which prevents the oxygen inward diffusion and the evaporation of oxides. We expect that the general strategy of second phase reinforcing for materials will help to widen the applications of MoAlB composites.