Effect of La2O3 on the wear behavior of MoSi2 at high temperature

Wear behaviors of MoSi2 doped with La2O3 against SiC under different loads at 1000 °C in air were investigated by using an XP-5 type high temperature friction and wear tester. The worn surfaces and phases of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Results showed that the addition of La2O3 could obviously improve wear resistance of MoSi2. Because of the formation of MoO3 phase on the worn surface, La2O3/MoSi2 composite mainly exhibited oxidation and abrasive wear, which was different from the wear form of MoSi2 such as adhesion, oxidation and abrasion.