MoSi2 and SiC/ MoSi2 nanocomposite ceramics were prepared by microwave sintering. Hybrid heating
using SiC as preheating material and reasonable design of heat preservation system realized the fast elevation of tem鄄
perature of MoSi2 on the low temperature stage, and enhanced the temperature uniformity of MoSi2. The density and
mechanical properties tests showed that under the sintering parameters of 1 400益and holding 60 min, the properties
of pure MoSi2 sample achieved relative density of 93. 4%, fracture toughness 4. 5 MPa·m1/2, Vickers hardness 10. 53
GPa, and bending strength 186 MPa. All the mechanical properties of 10vol. % SiC鄄MoSi2 were superior to that of
pure MoSi2, though the relative density decreased to 90. 3%. The temperature of microwave sintering MoSi2and SiC/
MoSi2 samples decreased 200益lower than hot鄄pressing sintering temperature (1 650益), but the mechanical proper鄄
ties were actually enhanced greatly, in particular MoSi2 sample. Fracture surfaces indicated that compared to hotpressing
sintered samples, the microwave sintered samples presented refined grain size, fine and uniform pore. How鄄
ever the effect of grain refinement of microwave sintering to SiC/ MoSi2 was weaken compared to pure MoSi2 sample.