Oxidation resistance and strength of a molybdenum fiber–oxide matrix composite material

Abstract

The oxidation kinetics of a composite material, which consists of an Al₂O₃–Al₅Y₃O₁₂ matrix and molybdenum fibers and has a high cracking resistance, is studied. The mass loss of the composite material during oxidation is shown to be several orders of magnitude lower than that of molybdenum. Oxidation in quiet air at 1250°C for several hours weakly changes the strength of the composite material at temperatures from room temperature to 1300°C. It is also shown that the strength of the composite material as a function of the oxide matrix composition (Al: Y ratio) changes nonmonotonically. The maximum strength shifts from the Al₂O₃–Al₅Y₃O₁₂ eutectic point toward garnet.