Processing of single phase Mo5Si3 by microwave activated combustion synthesis

A ‘microwave activated combustion synthesis (MACS)’ process was utilized in synthesizing Mo5Si3, an important silicide material. This paper reports the following results. First, it independently confirms that metallic powders can be heated by microwave irradiation. Second, it shows that propagating combustion reactions can be sustained in sluggish reactions by means of microwave activation. Third, this paper demonstrates synthesis of pure Mo5Si3 using microwave activation. The formation of secondary phases during processing was minimized by using off-stoichiometric starting mixtures. These were prepared and processed to produce close to single phase product. A mixture of 16 wt.% Si and 84 wt.% Mo produced the best result.