Low-temperature oxidation behavior of MoSi₂ powders

The oxidation behavior of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi₂) powders at 400, 500, and 600℃ for 12 h in air were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) techniques. Significant changes were observed in volume, mass, and color. Especially at 500℃, the volume expansion was found to be as high as 7-8 times, the color changed from black to yellow-white, and the mass gain was about 169.34% after 8 h, with SiO₂ and MoO₃ as main reaction products. The gains in volume and mass were less at 400 and 600℃ compared with those at 500℃, probably due to the less reaction rate at 400℃ and the formation of silica glass scale at 600℃, which would protect the matrix and restrain the diffusion of oxygen and molybdenum. Thus, the accelerated oxidation behavior of MoSi₂ powder appeared at 500℃ and the volume expansion was the sign of accelerated oxidation.