High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Strucflural Siucides

The factors which control the formation of a protective silica (SiO2) layer on structural silicides at high temperature are summarized. The thermodynamic and kinetic conditions under which both silica and a metal oxide can form are also described. Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) forms highly protective silica scales and has the best oxidation resistance at high temperatures. Although the preparation method has little influence, the heating rate and the structure of the silica layer have significant effects on the oxidation behavior of MoSi2.