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At least 19 records

Development and Characterization of SiC)/ MoSi2-Si3N4(p) Hybrid Composites

Intermetallic compound MoSi2 has long been known as a high temperature material that has excellent oxidation resistance and electrical/thermal conductivity. Also its low cost, high melting point (2023 C), relatively low density (6.2 g/cu cm versus 9 g/cu cm for current engine materials), and ease of machining, make it an attractive structural material. However, the use of MoSi2 has been hindered due to its poor toughness at low temperatures, poor creep resistance at high temperatures, and accelerated oxidation (also known as 'pest' oxidation) at temperatures between approximately 450 and 550 C. Continuous fiber reinforcing is very effective means of improving both toughness and strength. Unfortunately, MoSi2 has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) compared to potential reinforcing fibers such as SiC. The large CTE mismatch between the fiber and the matrix resulted in severe matrix cracking during thermal cycling. Addition of about 30 to 50 vol % of Si3N4 particulate to MoSi2 improved resistance to low temperature accelerated oxidation by forming a Si2ON2 protective scale and thereby eliminating catastrophic 'pest failure'. The Si3N4 addition also improved the high temperature creep strength by nearly five orders of magnitude, doubled the room temperature toughness and significantly lowered the CTE of the MoSi2 and eliminated matrix cracking in SCS-6 reinforced composites even after thermal cycling. The SCS-6 fiber reinforcement improved the room temperature fracture toughness by seven times and impact resistance by five times. The composite exhibited excellent strength and toughness improvement up to 1400 C. More recently, tape casting was adopted as the preferred processing of MoSi2-base composites for improved fiber spacing, ability to use small diameter fibers, and for lower cost. Good strength and toughness values were also obtained with fine diameter Hi-Nicalon tow fibers. This hybrid composite remains competitive with ceramic matrix composites as a replacement for Ni-base superalloys in aircraft engine applications.

Hebsur, Mohan G.↗

Development of Tough, Strong, and Pest-Resistant MoSi2-(Beta)Si3N4 Composites for High-Temperature Structural Applications

A new MoSi2-base composite was developed that contains in-situ reinforcement of whisker-type beta-Si3N4 grains in a MoSi2 matrix. The advantages of this in-situ reinforced MoSi2-Si3N4 are lower density, higher fracture toughness and better strength than typical MoSi2 alloys, combined with excellent environmental and pest resistance. The average fracture toughness of the in-situ reinforced material determined by one technique was 12.2 MPa.m(exp 1/2) compared to 4.9 to 5.5 MPa.m(exp 1/2) for similar materials with the exception that the beta-Si3N4 had a blocky morphology as opposed to the whisker-like morphology typical of the in-situ toughened material. This MoSi2-(beta)Si3N4 was also resistant to pesting at intermediate temperatures (400 to 600 C) even when precracked or under applied load; conditions that would quickly reduce typical MoSi2 alloys to oxidized powder.

Hebsur, M. G.↗

MoSi2-Base Hybrid Composite Passed Engine Test

The intermetallics compound molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) is an attractive high-temperature structural material for advanced engine applications. It has excellent oxidation resistance, a high melting point, relatively low density, and high thermal conductivity, and it is easily machined. Past research'at the NASA Lewis Research Center has resulted in the development of a hybrid composite consisting of a MoSi2 matrix reinforced with silicon nitride (Si3N4) Particulate and silicon carbide (SiC) fibers. This composite has demonstrated attractive strength, toughness, thermal fatigue, and oxidation resistance, including resistance to "pest" oxidation. These properties attracted the interest of the Office of Naval Research and Pratt & Whitney, and a joint NASA/Navy/Pratt & Whitney effort was developed to continue to mature the MoSi2 Composite technology. A turbine blade outer air seal, which was part of the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) program, was chosen as a first component on which to focus. The first tasks of the materials development effort were to develop improved processing methods to reduce costs and to use fine-diameter fibers that enable the manufacturing of complex shapes. Tape-casting methods were developed to fully infiltrate the fine SiC fibers with matrix powders. The resulting composites were hot pressed to 100-percent density. Composites with cross-plied fiber architectures with 30 vol. % hi-nicalon SiC fibers and 30 vol. % nitride particles are now made routinely and demonstrate a good balance of properties. The next task entailed the measurement of a wide variety of mechanical properties to confirm the suitability of this composite in engines. In particular, participants in this effort demonstrated that composites made with Hi-Nicalon fibers had strength and toughness properties equal to or better than those of the composites made with the large-diameter fibers that had been used previously. Another critically important property measured was impact resistance. Aircraft engine components require sufficient toughness to resist manufacturing defects, assembly damage, stress concentrations at notches, and foreign object damage. Engine company designers indicated that impact resistance would have to be measured before they would seriously consider these types of composites. The Charpy V-notch test was chosen to assess impact resistance, and both monolithic and composite versions Of MOSi2 were tested from -300 to 1400 C. The results (see the following graphs) show that nitride-particulate-reinforced MoSi2 exhibited impact resistance higher than that of many monolithic ceramics and intermetallics, and that the fiber-reinforced composites had even higher values, approaching that of cast superalloys.

Keith, Theo G., Jr.↗

Chemical Reactions in the Processing of Mosi2 + Carbon Compacts

Hot-pressing of MoSi2 powders with carbon at high temperatures reduces the siliceous grain boundary phase in the resultant compact. The chemical reactions in this process were examined using the Knudsen cell technique. A 2.3 wt pct oxygen MoSi2 powder and a 0.59 wt pct oxygen MoSi2 powder, both with additions of 2 wt pct carbon, were examined. The reduction of the siliceous grain boundary phase was examined at 1350 K and the resultant P(SiO)/P(CO) ratios interpreted in terms of the SiO(g) and CO(g) isobars on the Si-C-O predominance diagram. The MoSi2 + carbon mixtures were then heated at the hot-pressing temperature of 2100 K. Large weight losses were observed and could be correlated with the formation of a low-melting eutectic and the formation and vaporization of SiC.

Jacobson, Nathan S.↗

MoSi2-Base Composites

Addition of 30 to 50 vol% of Si3N4 particulate to MoSi2 eliminated its low temperature catastrophic failure, improved room temperature fracture toughness and the creep resistance. The hybrid composite SCS-6/MoSi2-Si3N4 did not show any matrix cracking and exhibited excellent mechanical and environmental properties. Hi-Nicalon continuous fiber reinforced MoSi2-Si3N4 also showed good strength and toughness. A new MoSi2-base composite containing in-situ whisker-type (Beta)Si3N4 grains in a MoSi2 matrix is also described.

Hebsur, Mohan G.↗

Strong, Tough, and Pest Resistant MoSi2-Base Hybrid Composite for Structural Applications

Addition of about 30 to 50 vol % of Si3N4 particulate to MoSi2 improved resistance to low temperature accelerated oxidation by forming a Si2ON2 protective scale and thereby eliminating catastrophic 'pest failure'. The Si3N4 addition also improved the high temperature creep strength by nearly five orders of magnitude, doubled the room temperature toughness and significantly lowered the CTE of the MoSi2 and eliminated matrix cracking in SCS-6 reinforced composites even after thermal cycling. The SCS-6 fiber reinforcement improved the room temperature fracture toughness by seven times and impact resistance by five times. The composite exhibited excellent strength and toughness improvement up to 1400 C. More recently, tape casting was adopted as the preferred processing of MoSi2-base composites for improved fiber spacing, ability to use small diameter fibers, and for lower cost. Good strength and toughness values were also obtained with fine diameter Hi-Nicalon tow fibers. This hybrid composite remains competitive with ceramic matrix composites as a replacement for Ni-base superalloys in aircraft engine applications.

Hebsur, M. G.↗

MoSi2-Base Hybrid Composites from Aeroengine Applications

Addition of about 30 to 50 vol % of Si3N4 particulate to MoSi2 improved low temperature accelerated oxidation resistance by forming a Si2ON2 protective scale and thereby eliminated catastrophic 'pest failure'. The Si3N4 addition also improved the high temperature creep strength by nearly five orders of magnitude, doubled the room temperature toughness, and significantly lowered the CTE of the MoSi2 which eliminated matrix cracking in SCS-6 reinforced composites even after thermal cycling. The SCS-6 fiber reinforcement improved the room temperature fracture toughness by seven times and impact resistance by five times. The composite exhibited this excellent strength and toughness improvement up to 1673 K. More recently, tape casting was adopted as the preferred processing of MoSi2-base composites due to improved fiber spacing, ability to use small diameter fibers, and for lower cost. Good strength and toughness values were also obtained with fine diameter Hi-Nicalon tow fibers. These hybrid composites remain competitive with ceramic matrix composites as a replacement for Ni-base superalloys in aircraft engine applications.

Hebsur, Mohan G.↗

MoSi2-Base Structural Composite Passed Engine Test

The intermetallic compound molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) is an attractive high-temperature structural material for advanced engine applications. It has excellent oxidation resistance, a high melting point, relatively low density, and high thermal conductivity; and it is easily machined. Past research at the NASA Lewis Research Center has resulted in the development of a hybrid composite consisting of a MoSi2 matrix reinforced with silicon nitride (Si3N4) particulate and silicon carbide (SiC) fibers. This composite has demonstrated attractive strength, toughness, thermal fatigue, and oxidation resistance, including resistance to "pest" oxidation. These properties attracted the interest of the Office of Naval Research and Pratt & Whitney, and a joint NASA/Navy/Pratt & Whitney effort was developed to continue to mature the MoSi2 composite technology. A turbine blade outer air seal, which was part of the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) program, was chosen as a first component on which to focus.

Nathal, Michael V.↗

MoSi2-Base Composite for Engine Applications

The intermetallic compound MoSi2 has long been known as a high temperature material that has excellent oxidation resistance and electrical/thermal conductivity. Also its low cost, high melting point (2023 C), relatively low density (6.2 g/cm versus 8 g/cm for current engine materials), and ease of machining make it an attractive structural material. However, the use of MoSi2 has been hindered because of the brittle nature of the material at low temperatures, inadequate creep resistance at high temperatures, accelerated oxidation (also known as 'pest' oxidation) at temperatures between approximately 400 and 500 C, and a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is relatively high in comparison to potential reinforcing fibers such as SiC. This CTE mismatch between the fiber and the matrix resulted in severe matrix cracking during thermal cycling.

Hebsur, Mohan G.↗

Pest resistant MoSi2-based materials containing in-situ grown .beta.-Si3N4whiskers

A MoSi.sub.2 pest resistant material includes in-situ grown .beta.-Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 whiskers. In addition to excellent pest resistance, the material provides a lower coefficient of thermal expansion for better match with continuous reinforcing fibers such as SiC fibers. A two stage heating and pressing production technique enables lower temperature processing with substantially full densification.

Hebsur, Mohan G.↗

Pest resistant MoSi2-based materials containing in-situ grown .beta.-Si3N4 whiskers

A MoSi.sub.2 pest resistant material includes in-situ grown .beta.-Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 whiskers. In addition to excellent pest resistance, the material provides a lower coefficient of thermal expansion for better match with continuous reinforcing fibers such as SiC fibers. A two stage heating and pressing production technique enables lower temperature processing with substantially full densification.

Hebsur, Mohan G.↗

Microstructure development of novel composite heating elements for steel decarbonization

The iron and steel industry is critical for the modern world but is also responsible for 7% of the total energy sector CO2 emissions. It is a difficult industry to decarbonize due to the high temperature heat required for the production of steel, such as reheating steel slabs to ~1250 °C for hot rolling. Electrification of this process using resistive heating is currently not possible due to the poor creep resistance of MoSi2 heating elements, which need to be operated well below their maximum temperatures when mounted horizontally. To solve this problem, novel MoSi2 composite heating elements with SiBCN ceramic reinforcements are being developed using high energy ball milling and electric field assisted sintering (EFAS). The microstructure and density of the composites after sintering depends on the sintering parameters chosen. Herein we present the effects of EFAS sintering parameters on the microstructure and density of the MoSi2-SiBCN composites.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Processing and Properties of SiC/MoSi2-SiC Composites Fabricated by Melt Infiltration

Hi-Nicalon SiC fiber reinforced MoSi2-SiC matrix composites (SiC/MoSi2-SiC) have been fabricated by the melt infiltration approach. The composite consists of approximately 60 vol%, 2-D woven BN/SiC coated Hi-Nicalon SiC fibers and approximately 40 vol% MoSi2-SiC matrix. The room temperature tensile properties and thermal conductivity of the SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites were measured and compared with those of the melt infiltrated SiC/SiC composites. The influence oi fiber architecture on tensile properties was also evaluated. Results indicate that the primary modulus, stress corresponding to deviation from linearity, and transverse thermal conductivity values for the SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites are significantly lower than those for the SiC/SiC composites. Microcracking of the matrix due to the large difference in thermal expansion between MoSi2 and SiC appears to be the reason for the lower matrix dominated properties of SiC/MoSi2-SiC composites.

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.↗

Creep Performance of Novel Composite Heating Elements for Reheat Furnace Electrification

The iron and steel industry is critical for the modern world but is also very energy intensive and is a low margin industry. Hot rolling requires reheating steel slabs to ~1250 °C for hot rolling and involves yield loss due to scale formation. Electrification of this process using resistive heating could improve yield but is currently not possible due to the poor creep resistance of MoSi2 heating elements, which need to be operated well below their maximum temperatures when mounted horizontally. To solve this problem, novel MoSi2 composite heating elements with SiBCN ceramic reinforcements are being developed using high energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering. The creep performance of different heating elements and their corresponding microstructures and electrical properties will be presented.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of radiofrequency-sputtered refractory compound steel interfaces

Radiofrequency sputtering was used to deposit Mo2C, Mo2B5, and MoSi2 coatings on 440C steel substrates. Both sputter etched and preoxidized substrates were used, and the films were deposited with and without a substrate bias of -300 V. The composition of the coatings was measured as a function of depth by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy combined with argon ion etching. In the interfacial region there was evidence that bias produced a graded interface in Mo2B5 but not in Mo2C. Oxides of iron and of all film constituents except carbon were presented in all cases but the iron oxide concentration was higher and the layer thicker on the preoxidized substrates. The film and iron oxides were mixed in the MoSi2 and Mo2C films but layered in the Mo2B5 film. The presence of mixed oxides correlates with enhanced film adhesion.

Wheeler, D. R.↗

Phenomenological study of the behavior of some silica formers in a high velocity jet fuel burner

Samples of four silica formers: single crystal SiC, sintered alpha-SiC, reaction sintered Si3N4 and polycrystalline MoSi2, were subjected to a Mach 1 jet fuel burner for 1 hr, at a sample temperature of 1375 deg C (2500 deg F). Two phenomena were identified which may be deleterious to a gas turbine application of these materials. The glass layer formed on the MoSi2 deformed appreciably under the aerodynamic load. A scale developed on the samples of the other materials which consisted of particular matter from the gas stream entrapped in a SiO2 matrix.

Cawley, J. D.↗

Effectiveness of Diffusion Barrier Coatings for Mo-Re Embedded in C/SiC and C/C

Advanced high-temperature cooling applications may often require the elevated-temperature capability of carbon/silicon carbide or carbon/carbon composites in combination with the hermetic capability of metallic tubes. In this paper, the effects of C/SiC and C/C on tubes fabricated from several different refractory metals were evaluated. Though Mo, Nb, and Re were evaluated in the present study, the primary effort was directed toward two alloys of Mo-Re, namely, arc cast Mo-41Re and powder metallurgy Mo-47.5Re. Samples of these refractory metals were subjected to either the PyC/SiC deposition or embedding in C/C. MoSi2(Ge), R512E, and TiB2 coatings were included on several of the samples as potential diffusion barriers. The effects of the processing and thermal exposure on the samples were evaluated by conducting burst tests, microhardness surveys, and scanning electron microscopic examination (using either secondary electron or back scattered electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy). The results showed that a layer of brittle Mo-carbide formed on the substrates of both the uncoated Mo-41Re and the uncoated Mo-47.5Re, subsequent to the C/C or the PyC/SiC processing. Both the R512E and the MoSi2(Ge) coatings were effective in preventing not only the diffusion of C into the Mo-Re substrate, but also the formation of the Mo-carbides. However, none of the coatings were effective at preventing both C and Si diffusion without some degradation of the substrate.

Glass, David E.↗