To get the sound heat element chiefly composed of MoSi ₂, at first we tested tap density, compressibility and compactibility of mixed powder itself of MoSi ₂, SiO₂, and Al₂O₃.
As the result of above powder tests, we could clear the compacting condition.
Furthermore, we measured electrical and mechanical properties of the cold-pressed specimens to get the best sintering condition in various gases.
Results were as follows :
(1) The tap density was 1.89g/cm³.
(2) The compactibility was proved successful without lubricant, its value being 3.2kg/mm².
(3) The optimum pressure of cold-pressing was 20kg/mm².
(4) Shrinkage percent was about 35-39%, with the sintering condition, at 1600-1650°C, in vacuum, argon gas and H₂ gas atmosphere.
(5) In vacuum, Ar gas and H₂ gas atmosphere, the optimum sintering temperature was 1600-1650°C. The density of the specimens sintered was 4.1-4.3g/cm³.
(6) Electrical resistance values of specimens sintered at 1600-1650°C in various atmo-spheres were in the range of 2.35-2.96×10^-4Ω-cm at room temperature.
Its values were higher than that of the specimens prepared with hot pressing.
(7) Electrical resistance values at 1400°C were 1.08-1.20×10^-3Ω-cm.
(8) Modulus of rupture at 800°C was 17.2-18.9kg/mm².