Synthesis and characterization of Group 6 metal silicide–silicon carbide composites via solid-state displacement reactions of nanosize grains of M2C and silicon

Abstract

Individual reactions of nanosize grains of Group 6 metal carbides, M₂C (M = Cr, Mo and W)(1 equivalent) with 5 equivalents of silicon powder under the relatively mild conditions of 1000 °C for 4 h have given nanosize grains of metal silicide–silicon carbide composite materials consisting of the intermetallic silicide alloys CrSi₂, MoSi₂–Mo₅Si₃ and WSi₂–W₅Si₃.