Synthesis and oxidation resistance of MoAlB single crystals

Abstract Needle and plate like single MoAlB crystals were synthesized by reacting MoB and Al powders. The growth of MoAlB single crystals was promoted by either increasing dwell temperature or by adding excess of Al. When raising the temperature from 1100 to 1300 °C, the shape of MoAlB single crystals transformed from needle to plate like. The single crystals exhibited anisotropic oxidation resistance where the (0 l 0) plane showed a better oxidation resistance compared to ( l 00) and (00 l ) planes. The oxidization weight gain tested at 1100 °C and weight loss at 1300 °C suggests the beneficial role of a dense Al 2 O 3 scale formed on the plate-like single crystals.