LAUSR

Abstract (Mo 0.97 Nb 0.03 )(Si 0.97 Al 0.03 ) 2 ceramic was synthesized by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis using commercial elemental powders, and then dense monolithic ceramic was prepared via vacuum hot pressing. The oxidation behavior of the bulk ceramic was investigate d at 500 °C and 1200 °C. At 500 °C, due to the preferential oxidation of Nb-rich phase and the formation of uniform oxidation layer, the oxidation rate of (Mo 0.97 Nb 0.03 )(Si 0.97 Al 0.03 ) 2 is lower than pure MoSi 2 . At 1200 °C, (Mo 0.97 Nb 0.03 )(Si 0.97 Al 0.03 ) 2 shows better oxidation resistance than MoSi 2 , owing to the uniform complex oxide layer with SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 and Nb 2 O 5 formed on the surface of the prepared ceramic.