Mechanosynthesis and consolidation of nanocrystalline VSi{sub}2/SiC composite

摘要

A powder mixture corresponding to the VSi{sub}2/SiC composite has been mechanically alloyed starting from elemental vanadium, silicon and silicon carbide powders. The alloying processes are monitored by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It has been found that the intermetallic VSi{sub}2/SiC composite with homogenous and nanocrystalline structure is obtained by high energy ball milling. The thermal behaviours of milled powders are analysed by differential thermalanalysis and the powders are then compacted to full density by hot pressing. The microstructure of the consolidated composite is examined by optical microscopy and hardness determined.