Study of indentation induced cracks in MoSi2-reaction bonded SiC ceramics

Abstract

MoSi2-RBSC composite samples were prepared by infiltration of Si-2 at.% Mo melt into a preform of commercial SiC and petroleum coke powder. The infiltrated sample had a density > 92% of the theoretical density (TD) and microstructurally contained SiC, MoSi2, residual Si and unreacted C. The material was tested for indentation fracture toughness at room temperature with a Vicker's indenter and KIC was found to be 4.42 MPa√m which is around 39% higher than the conventional RBSC material. Enhancement in indentation fracture toughness is explained in terms of bowing of propagating cracks through MoSi2/SiC interface which is under high thermal stress arising from the thermal expansion mismatch between MoSi2 and SiC.