Synthesis of the Nowotny phase Mo4.8Si3C0.6 from Mo5Si3 + carbon mixtures

A simple, efficient method for the synthesis of the Nowotny phase Mo4.8Si3C0.6 from mixtures of the Mo5Si3 silicide and carbon in the form of carbon black or diamond powder has been proposed. The synthesis of the Nowotny phase via reaction sintering has been shown to be more complete in samples prepared at reduced compaction pressures, which has been tentatively attributed to the considerable role of carbon transport through the gas phase. In samples quenched from the liquid state in a levitation melting system, the highest volume fraction of Mo4.8Si3C0.6 has been obtained using starting mixtures of Mo5Si3 and diamond powder.